Religious Zionist, Likud coalition talks advance

Efforts to strike a deal will continue throughout the day, with Likud leader Netanyahu hoping to secure next government after reaching agreements with Ben-Gvir and the extreme Noam faction

i24NEWS|
Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu met for several hours with Bezalel Smotrich's far-right Religious Zionist Party on Sunday, with Netanyahu's Likud reporting "progress in all matters."
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  • Efforts between the two parties to strike a coalition deal will continue on Monday, according to the Likud's statement.
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    ביג 3 בצלאל סמוטריץ איתמר בן גביר בנימין נתניהו ביבי שמחים
    ביג 3 בצלאל סמוטריץ איתמר בן גביר בנימין נתניהו ביבי שמחים
    Bezalel Smotrich and Benjamin Netanyahu
    (Photo: Moti Kimchi, Amit Shabi)
    Netanyahu spent the day meeting with the heads of the likely coalition parties, forming deals to create the country's next government. Before meeting with Smotrich, Netanyahu confirmed an agreement with the one-man Noam faction, which will see far-right lawmaker Avi Maoz becoming a deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Office.
    On Friday, Netanyahu reached a preliminary agreement with the far-right Jewish Power party, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir. As part of the agreement, Ben-Gvir will assume the role of "national security minister" — an expanded version of the existing public security role.
    2 View gallery
    זירת הפיגוע
    זירת הפיגוע
    Itamar Ben-Gvir
    (Photo: EPA)
    Netanyahu received the mandate to form a government two weeks ago, yet political disagreements between the parties have delayed the likely incoming right-wing coalition from becoming a reality.
    The recent agreements bring Israel one step closer to preventing another round of elections, after Israelis went to their fifth elections in four years on November 1.
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