There are reports that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday 14 Iyar made final efforts to bring Machane Tzioni into his coalition government, efforts that persons close to the party’s leadership explained Sunday morning would be in vain.

As talks exploded between PM Netanyahu and Yitzchak Herzog, it became clear the door was open to seal a deal with Yisrael Beitenu to bring its six seats into the coalition. Party leader Avigdor Lieberman is expected to be sworn in as Minister of Defense.

This scenario leaves the Foreign Ministry post in PM Netanyahu’s hands and now that it is clear Machane Tzioni is not going to join the coalition, two Likud Ministers; Gilad Erdan and Yisrael Katz are vying for the senior post.

Erdan, who is currently the Minister of Public Security is viewed by many as the most senior Likud minister. Yisrael Katz serves as Minister of Transportation and is known to be a close confidant of the Prime Minister. It is also reported that he was promised the slot when it becomes available on a number of occasions.

However, speaking with party faction members in Knesset on Sunday, PM Netanyahu announced he will hold on to the Foreign Ministry portfolio as he has in the past, as well as the Economy Ministry, Communications Ministry and Regional Cooperation Ministry, for he feels there is still hope to bring Machane Tzioni into the coalition despite current statements to the contrary from Machane Tzioni leaders.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)