Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met with Kulanu party leader Moshe Kahlon and it appears the two are nearing a deal.
According to Yediot Achronot, officials involved in the negotiations report that a deal was made in principle, one that involves Kulanu receiving the Finance Ministry, Housing Ministry, and the Environmental Affairs Ministry. In addition, Kahlon will be given authority over the Interior Ministry’s Housing Planning Committee, which will permit him to implement his plan for nationwide housing reform. It appears Yahadut Hatorah will maintain control of the powerful Knesset Finance Committee which Kahlon first set his sights on.
Since Kahlon is likely to receive the Interior Ministry committee, PM Netanyahu has to come up with a solution, a consultation prize for Shas’ Aryeh Deri, who hopes to become the interior minister. Yediot reports the consolation package for Deri will include the Ministry of the Economy, Ministry of Galil Development and Jerusalem Affairs.
Shas’ initial reaction is that it expects the Interior Ministry in its entirety, nothing less, however Likud officials involved in the talks feel Shas will come around. The prime minister is leaving Bayit Yehudi and Yisrael Beitenu for last since he is aware relations between him and the party leaders are strained at best.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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Moshe Kahlon told Israel Broadcasting that one of the conditions for his Kulanu party entering the coalition will be having the ability to influence the economy to lower the cost of living and the cost of housing. He explains this includes first and foremost breaking up monopolies like the Israel Electric Company. Kahlon explains that do so does not mean sending employees home, but it does mean making the utility more efficient.
He feels the first place to start is the Israel Lands Administration (ILA), which he is familiar with. He admits a strike will be launched the moment he challenges the ILA but he adds “one has to know how to deal with this”, which he assures us he does.
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Kahlon says “It is time to open the market and we must address each monopoly”. When asked why he left Likud, he explains that the party simply ignored dealing with the true needs of the economy and that slogans are insufficient. “I entered Likud in 1977 but actions must be measured, not words”.
He explains he feels the cost of living and housing are the main issues that face Israelis day-to-day and that is why he left Likud to launch his own party.
This Election (and the previous one)putting aside all the ups and downs hinged primarily upon the Machane Le’umi.
The ‘Amcha’ were tired , felt taken for granted of,flirted/lashed around ,but in the end, did “come home”.
However will this Election grow into a reinvigoration,reinspired, and revival of the Machane Le’umi , deeper combusting in the psyche and soul of the ‘Amcha’ and the country
Or
הפוך
in retrospect appear to have been the swan song ;the final surging flicker of the flame perhaps , of the Machane Le’umi ?