Speaking with Kol Chai Radio’s Mordechai Lavi on Monday morning, 18 Kislev, Minister of Tourism (Likud) Yariv Levin stated that despite having only a one-seat majority, it is in everyone’s interest to push off elections for as long as possible, since he believes the next coalition government is not likely to be as right-wing as the current one. He explains “While it is possible, it is not likely since there are elements which are likely to be part of the coalition who are not as nationalistic as the current coalition”.

Levin addressed the draft law as well, explaining the coalition turned to the Supreme Court asking for another extension on Sunday at the behest of Agudas Yisrael. He feels the court is unlikely to grant yet another extension and that the current law “is fair and just” and it would be wise for coalition partners to pass the current legislation while the opportunity presents itself.

Levin spoke of the ‘gold old days’, referring to the tenure of Menachem Begin “When Likud has 40 seats” and it permitted the party to act as it wished. Today he laments there are too many small parties, each with its own demands and it is most difficult maintaining a coalition which each party pulling in a different direction.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)