Bayit Yehudi party leader Education Minister Naftali Bennet remains defiant in his determination to have a military secretary appointed to the cabinet. Many feel that despite the merits of his plan, presenting yet another ultimatum to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was not the way to go.

However, Bennett is not backing down and vows his party will vote against the deal signed last week to bring the Yisrael Beitenu party into the coalition. Bennett insists his plan is for the future defense of the nation and his demands are apolitical as he is not seeking additional political appointments and/or funding.

While Bennett insists he is not trying to bring down the coalition, he will not back down and if necessary, he will continue his battle from the opposition, hinting there will be no compromise on this matter. In the interim, it is reported that talks surrounding a compromise with Bennett between representatives of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu have broken down.

A rumor leaked to the media states Bennett will absent himself from a scheduled Sunday afternoon Security Cabinet meeting.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)