According to coalition chairman (Likud) MK David Bitan, while chareidi representatives continue announcing they are opposed to early elections, they are preventing an agreement from being reached between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon.

Speaking to Reshet Bet Radio on Monday morning 29 Adar, Bitan explained draft agreements have been drawn up, explaining any of the possible agreements would result in a delay in opening the new broadcast corporation and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon must show some flexibility towards the Likud’s position. Bitan adds that statements from the chareidim and other coalition members opposing elections are meaningless for if the proposal is introduced in Knesset, it will pass. As he did earlier this week, Bitan explained the battle is not over the broadcast corporation but rather it is over the Likud’s authority as largest party and coalition leader.

He cites the current situation in which he and others must run after the Kulanu and Bayit Yehudi parties is unacceptable, adding “They must run after us as the coalition leaders”.

Bitan feels compromise is still possible but statements from chareidi and Likud lawmakers against early elections are just making Kahlon more determined in his position.

However, he remains optimistic and feels ultimately, the person involved which reach a solution and early elections will be avoided.

Earlier in the day, Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennet told Reshet Bet he too is opposed to early elections, adding “The prime minister and finance minister are grown men. They should enter the room and continue negotiating until a deal is reached.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)