There are a number of major issues that will determine which parties will and will not be a part of the new coalition government as will be decided in the coming weeks. Key issues include;

1. Sharing the burden

2. Diplomatic process between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority)

3. The state budget

Let’s see how the potential coalition partners stand vis-à-vis the issues mentioned above.

SHARING THE BURDEN:

· Likud – supports the Ya’alon plan.

· Yesh Atid – supports the more radical Yair Lapid plan.

· Bayit HaYehudi – seeking a modified Yair Lapid plan.

· Chareidim – willing to go with the Ya’alon plan, realizing there is no alternative.

DIPLOMATIC PROCESS WITH THE PA:

· Likud – PM Netanyahu on motzei Shabbos called on the PA (Palestinian Authority) to return to the negotiating table without preconditions.

· Yesh Atid – An immediate return to talks with the PA is a condition to joining the coalition.

· Bayit HaYehudi – Remain opposed to talks and the formation of a Palestinian state. Remain opposed to the prime minister’s Bar Ilan address in which he accepts the formation of a PA state.

· Chareidim – can go either way. Not a major issue.

STATE BUDGET:

· Likud – The PM and Finance Minister Steinitz are not revealing the budget. A promise was made however not to raise taxes.

· Yesh Atid – Demanding a major change towards assisting the middle class and university students.

· Bayit HaYehudi – No announced conditions regarding the budget. Seeking continued funding of yishuvim.

· Chareidim – If monthly child allowances are cut, chareidim threaten to break from the coalition. (Shas’ refusal to support the state budget led to the nation holding elections).

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)