Speaking to Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Wednesday morning, Likud’s Silvan Shalom, a candidate for foreign minister in a Netanyahu government, explained the Likud represents the majority of the nation which has elected a right-wing bloc of at least 65 seats. He added there is no reason for Likud to enter into a coalition with Kadima involving a rotation, and after Likud builds its foundation, other parties are invited to join if they are willing to accept the government’s guidelines.

Rightfully so, Shalom explained that the final results are not in and the vote of soldiers may indeed paint a different picture. What is certain he added is that Likud can form a coalition while Livni cannot. He stated that coalition talks are beginning Wednesday morning so that when the candidates meet with President Shimon Peres next Wednesday, Likud will hopefully already have a coalition in hand, compelling Peres to give him the mandate.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)