Senior Likud officials stated confidently on Tuesday night that they believe the coalition agreements will be signed by Friday’s 28-day deadline. Wednesday’s schedule focuses on signing an agreement with Shas, followed by continued talks with Yahadut HaTorah, Ichud HaLeumi and Bayit HaYehudi.

There are still some major issues to iron out, including demands from Bayit HaYehudi and Ichud HaLeumi to receive the education and housing portfolios, to which Likud explained from the get go is a non-starter. Nevertheless, Ichud leader Yaakov Katz is remaining firm, seeking to compel Likud to acquiesce.

Likud officials believe they will not have to request a 14-day extension from the president, and they remain hopeful that Premier-designate Netanyahu on Friday will present his coalition to the president and Knesset speaker.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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