Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met in private on Monday evening with MK Naftali Bennet. Following the meeting with Bennet, the number two person on the New Right party list told the press that he was offered an immediate post as a cabinet minister in the government along with a slot on the Political-Security Cabinet.

Bennet explained he is not interested and there is no need for such an appointment, as he remains absolutely committed to the right-wing bloc and he will continue in any way he can towards the establishment of a unity coalition including both Netanyahu and MK Benny Gantz and his Blue & White party.

Since the election for 22nd Knesset on September 17, 2019 and the establishment of the right-wing/chareidi bloc of 55, there has been a significant improvement in relations between Bennet and the prime minister and they have met a number of times in recent weeks. It is explained the prime minister fears that Bennet and the leader of New Right, MK Ayelet Shaked, may break from the right-wing bloc and Mr. Netanyahu is interested in maintaining the 55-member bloc.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)