In a joint media conference with Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman for the Russian language press on Monday morning 25 Teves 5773, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stated “I am aware that there are contacts underway between some of the left-wing parties and the chareidi parties”.

Netanyahu spoke of the ongoing efforts to create a union between Yesh Atid, Labor and The Movement, speaking of their attempt to create a bloc that will push him and his right-wing aside to form the next coalition government. The prime minister added that to date, they haven’t reached agreement.

“Those parties haven’t a chance of working together. They come from the left but there is no economic, social or diplomatic issues that unite them other than their desire to oust me and the Likud/Beitenu government.”

He then went on to speak of ongoing efforts to probe the chareidi parties, seeking to determine if they are willing to weigh a working union. The outgoing prime minister warned against such a reality, which he feels will “lead to additional concessions and the division of Yerushalayim, as well as leading to a compromise on critical national security and civilian interests.”

When asked about ongoing events in Syria, Mr. Netanyahu acknowledged that there may be a loss of control over the chemical weaponry which may find their way in the hands of terrorists and Israel continues to carefully monitor events in that country.

Netanyahu stated there is a genuine fear those weapons will be turned against Syrian citizens and others in the Mideast, and this demands a loud warning message to other nations in the region and the United States. Israel is doing so in a loud clear voice.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)