The offer was made to Bayit HaYehudi/Yesh Atid on Sunday, 21 Adar 5773 and on Tuesday 23 Adar, Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett announced he is willing to serve as the next finance minister. The position was offered to both parties and after consulting between themselves, they decided that Bennett is the man for the job. It remains unclear what cabinet post will be filled by Yair Lapid. It is also unclear who will serve a foreign minister, and if Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will save it for Avigdor Lieberman pending the outcome of his trial as announced immediately following the elections.

It is assumed that during a meeting between Lapid and Lieberman on Monday 22 Adar Lapid asked for the post of foreign minister, but this remains in the realm of speculation.

While Bennett and Lapid see eye-to-eye on many issues, they remain divided regarding the size of the cabinet for Lapid promised voters he insists on reducing the cabinet to 18 ministers while for Bennett, this is not an issue. They are both vying for the Housing Ministry post as well.

Likud officials announced that Lapid will not receive the post of foreign minister. One option being discussed is minister of the interior.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)