It appears the tables have turned somewhat as Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is clearly working to pressure chareidi parties in Knesset towards finding an acceptable solution for a new draft law. Mr. Netanyahu has stated that while it is not his preference, he is willing to call for early elections.

MK (Bayit Yehudi) Betzalel Smotrich on Sunday morning 24 Adar called on the prime minister to reach agreement on a draft law and to use this opportunity to get rid of Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who has announced the moment the chareidim accept a draft plan and it is passed, he and his party will take leave of the coalition, insisting the chareidim must share in the nation’s military burden.

Mr. Netanyahu has however made it clear to chareidi faction leaders, that returning to a narrow 61-seat coalition is not an option, preferring elections over a one-seat majority which would occur if Lieberman’s six-seat Yisrael Beitenu party break from the coalition.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)