Admitting he is far from an expert on political matters, Health Minister Yaakov Litzman during the night succeeded in mediating between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett regarding the coalition deal to bring Yisrael Beitenu into the coalition. Speaking to Reshet Bet Radio early Monday morning 22 Iyar, Litzman explained he is not “the hero” but simply realized this is not a matter that justifies going to elections, and therefore, he decided to attempt to bring the sides together. There were earlier attempts by Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein to bring the sides together towards ending the coalition crisis, albeit unsuccessful.

If one remembers, Bennett threatened to bring down the coalition over his insistence that PM Netanyahu appoint a military cabinet secretary, announcing his party would not back the Yisrael Beitenu coalition agreement. Bennett feels that the cabinet ministers are making critical security decisions without having the knowledge and understand, which can be achieved through a military secretary working with the forum.

Litzman suggested that National Security Council Chairman Yaakov Nagel or his assistant would act as a temporary military advisor to the cabinet and as such, bringing an end to the crisis. The temporary appointment provided a way out for both PM Netanyahu and Bennett until the committee appointed by Netanyahu and headed by former National Security Advisor Yaakov Amidror submits its recommendations to improve the work of the cabinet.

It is reported that Bennett agreed to the Litzman plan immediately “out of respect for PM Netanyahu” but Netanyahu refused, only coming around and accepting the Litzman plan later in the night. Bennett was quick to tweet he is pleased that he achieved his goal.

Not wishing to wait for another road mine, Netanyahu will be meeting with his cabinet on Monday morning, at which time his ministers will approve the deal with Yisrael Beitenu, thereby clearing the way to enlarge the coalition by six seats and permitting Avigdor Lieberman to be sworn in as Minister of Defense and Sofia Landver as Minister of Absorption.

The new ministers will most likely take their oaths in Knesset on Monday afternoon.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)