Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu earlier in the week told Channel 2 News that the Housing Ministry would remain in Likud hands in the next government, sending a clear message to Shas.
When asked why housing prices in Israel continue to increase despite government promises to lower housing, to make apartments available to young and low-income families, Mr. Netanyahu blamed Shas, explaining that the Housing Ministry and the Israel Lands Administration are not in Likud hands. He added that following general elections, the Housing Ministry would remain with the Likud/Yisrael Beitenu team.
Netanyahu stated that Atias is a “good minister, but one cannot give him the keys and expect him to build for everyone”, referring to accusations surrounding Shas’ sectarian agenda.
Maariv political reporter Shalom Yerushalmi reports that Shas co-leader Housing Minister Ariel Atias has told associates in recent days following Mr. Netanyahu’s announcement that if Shas does not receive the housing portfolio and if the party is not included in the coalition government, Netanyahu will not serve as prime minister.
“The Housing Ministry was in my hands and will remain in my hands,” Maariv quotes him as saying, adding that polls show Shas will receive 14-15 seats so it is obvious that Mr. Netanyahu will have to call on its old coalition partner in the 19th Knesset as well.
Atias adds he put 35,000 apartments in the market in a year and implemented administrative reforms to cut red tape as the prime minister requested, rejecting accusations that he failed in his cabinet post. He insists Mr. Netanyahu told him “If only we had someone like you in Likud.”
Speaking to Channel 2 News on Tuesday evening 12 Teves, Atias rejected the allegations against him, insisting that housing prices are down 10% as a result of his efforts and they will continue to fall in the future.
When asked if Shas will enter a coalition following elections that cuts monthly child allowances he explained that while Shas increased child allowance funding in this cabinet, there is a need to cut in the next government but he avoided addressing actual numbers. Asked a number of times, but Atias remained evasive, simply stating “We will fight to make certain the weak residents are not targeted by government cuts”.
Speaking to Mordechai Lavi of Kol Berama Radio, Shas leader Interior Minister Eli Yishai denied the statements attributed to Atias by Maariv.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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Never know the secret deals and allegiances made behind the scenes!!!!.
A Likud coalition might include the popular innovator Shelly of the Labor party. This would not be a first! Bibi is going to avoid being ‘lectured & bribed’ by other parties yet in the end he may give in to all requests and lead for another ‘few…..years (or months)…’