** Kadima MK Nachman Shai quits Kadima to join the Labor Party.

** Economist Shlomo Maoz joins Likud.

** Despite being on recess until after elections on 11 Shevat 5773, the Knesset will convene on Monday 13 Cheshvan to discuss a number of issues, including daylight savings time.

** PM Netanyahu faces strong opposition from within his party to the unity agreement signed with Yisrael Beitenu. On Sunday he summoned Likud mayors to begin persuading them to support the agreement.

** Rabbi Shay Piron, number two on the Yesh Atid list was asked if he supports continued negotiations between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority). He stated no one running for Knesset living in the real world may oppose the talks for the pressure from the United States and the international community compels this reality.

** A former media advisor to PM Netanyahu when he was in opposition, Yossi Levy, is being brought in by Shas’ Aryeh Deri as a media advisor during the election campaign.

** Explaining the agreement signed with Yisrael Beitenu to faction members, PM Netanyahu stated Avigdor Lieberman would have the right to select the defense minister portfolio. That said, Walla News reports it has learned Lieberman and Netanyahu have agreed if the deal works and election is successful, Lieberman will remain foreign minister.

** Yair Lapid envisions receiving the justice ministry portfolio [as did his father Tommy], and Rabbi Yishay Piron the education portfolio and 3rd slot on the party list, Herzliya Mayor (Meretz) Yael German the environmental affairs portfolio.

** Yitzchak Shamir, 67, son of the late prime minister, is number two on the Yisrael Beitenu list and 5th on joint Likud/Yisrael Beitenu list.

** Beit Shemesh resident Rabbi Dov Lipman, a former American, refuses to confirm or deny rumors that he will be running on Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid list. He heads the Yesh Atid Beit Shemesh branch.

** Likud Minister Michael Eitan vehemently opposes unity with Yisrael Beitenu, warning Liberman will take over the party and pull it “too far to the right-wing”. He adds the deal will boomerang against the Likud. Eitan is demanding a secret ballot to make it easier for Likud leaders to vote against it without fearing retaliation from the prime minister.

** Likud Minister Binyamin Begin praises the agreement with Yisrael Beitenu and suggests the left-wing learn from the unity example exhibited by the right-wing.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)