Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on motzei Shabbos visited the President’s Residence to request a 14-day extension in the presidential mandate to continue coalition talks. As expected, President Peres approved the extension. The move comes after the prime minister failed to build his coalition in the 28 day mandate given to him following elections.

The prime minister was optimistic, explaining to the president that significant progress towards forming a government. Regarding the ‘sharing the burden’ issue, he explained the chareidi tzibur appears willing to except the new situation so he feels a coalition will be formed in the next 14 days.

The prime minister expressed his hope that party leaders will act responsibly, using the opportunity to criticize Bayit HaYehudi leader Naftali Bennett, albeit not directly, but hinted to the person who has placed his inclusion into the coalition on the chareidim remaining out of the coalition.

The prime minister stated “When they boycott goods from the yishuvim we cry out, rightfully so. The settlers should understand better than anyone what it means to be boycotted daily. In my eyes and our history show us how many tragedies have befallen us due to sinas chinam and in-fighting.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)