Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid and Naftali Bennett of Bayit HaYehudi have reached agreement regarding their demands to enter the forming coalition government, Makor Rishon reported.

The two parties have a combined 31 seats, carrying significant coalition power, aware that together they will have the ability to demand a great deal from the Likud/Beitenu.

According to the daily Maariv, a deal has been sealed and the two parties will either enter the coalition together or remain in opposition together. They are confident their 31 seats carry much weight and the union will permit them to increase their leverage at the negotiating table.

Interestingly, while most analysts believe Yesh Atid will be a senior coalition member, the same assumption is not being made regarding Bennett’s party, which many feel is the least desirable from the prime minister’s perspective, even less than the chareidim. Mr. Netanyahu realizes with Bayit HaYehudi on board, additional concession to the PA (Palestinian Authority) will be significantly more difficult.

Dati leumi rabbonim on Monday 24 Shevat 5773 are holding a kenos during which it is expected they will issue a call to Bennett to cut ties with Lapid, perhaps the result of recent meetings between leading dati leumi rabbonim and admorim.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)