It appears the news of Tzipi Livni signing on as the first member of the coalition has sparked a response from Bayit HaYehudi, the dati leumi party that until today has played hard to get, clinging to its agreement with Yesh Atid. Now, after Livni’s appointment as minister of justice, Bayit Yehudi members are being interviewed in the media, releasing statements in which they criticize the prime minister for not giving them ample opportunity to negotiate an agreement.

MK Uri Orbach is one of those who decided to speak, announcing on Wednesday 10 Adar 5773 that even with The Movement party on board, his party can live with it and there is still opportunity to join the coalition. “We have not decided to remain an opposition party” he explained, clearly aware that his party’s leader may have misread the coalition negotiating cards.

Orbach told Israel Radio “We are not pleased with the fact that Livni will handle negotiations [with the PA (Palestinian Authority)], but on the other hand it is clear to us that Netanyahu wants a broad coalition. Orbach insists that despite media reports to the contrary, his party has yet to receive a legitimate offer from Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu regarding his party’s inclusion in the coalition.

Likud/Beitenu officials see things from a different perspective, insisting that Bennett turned down the first offer and despite denials from party officials; this is what occured.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)