Netanyahu has not yet been officially tasked with forming a government by President Isaac Herzog, and is expected to get the mandate to do so on Sunday. Netanyahu is believed to be aiming to quickly form a new coalition with his right-wing, religious bloc within days in order to swear it in this coming week.
However, Kan news reported Saturday that difficulties in the negotiations may lead to a delay, with the new government sworn in only a week later.
According to Kan, the Religious Zionism party has been angered by Likud’s handling of negotiations, saying the Netanyahu’s party is dragging its feet with regard to signing agreements.
Religious Zionism chief Bezalel Smotrich has been seen as gunning for either the defense or finance portfolios, with Netanyahu reportedly reluctant to give him either one. Recent days saw growing reports that Smotrich could receive the defense post, leading to some intense pushback from former top defense officials. READ MORE
