HaBayit HaYehudi leader Naftali Bennett announced that it is clear the next prime minister will be Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, explaining the left-wing simply cannot enlist enough support to block the right-wing majority.
Speaking to students in Ono College, Bennett explained that the right-wing has gained momentum and it will hold a majority in the next coalition government. �I worked with Netanyahu and his heart is in the right place� he explained, referring to his past tenure as a bureau chief for the prime minister. Bennett stressed that if Mr. Netanyahu has a strong right-wing coalition, the correct people at his side, he will do the right thing.
Asked to respond to the audible Likud criticism directed at Bennett�s party, calling it �right-wing extreme�, Bennett stated �we are the true centrist party�.
Bennett stated that despite Likud campaign blows against his party, he will recommend the presidential mandate be given to Mr. Netanyahu.
When asked if he would remain in a coalition that enters into talks with the PA (Palestinian Authority) towards statehood, he responded �before the wedding I will not respond to such questions�, not wishing to commit himself.
Speaking on Monday 25 Teves 5773 at the 10th Jerusalem Conference, Bennett explained that the prime minister is working to build a left leaning government like the outgoing administration. He reminded the audience that while the voters elected a right-wing government, Netanyahu appointed Ehud Barak, a left-wing defense minister. He added that at present, Tzipi Livni remains unwilling to state she will not enter into a government headed by Netanyahu.
(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
All he is saying, in American political language, is that Netanyahu has captured the “center” – which in proportional representation means he will be Prime Minister. However his coalition can very considerably depending on who is junior partners are. Having become the center, he can form a Center-Right or a Center-Left, or even a Center-Secular Right-Moderate Left but excluding religious. And since Netanyahu has the best position, he can be fussy.