The chareidi parties emerged the winners of the election for 21st Knesset with a total of 16 seats, representing a sizable voice in the next coalition government.

While it appears that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will be establishing the next coalition government, Bibi’s task will be a formidable one as he will have to turn to parties including Yisrael Beitenu, whose chairman resigned from the last coalition, abandoning his senior post as Defense Minister. The bad blood that exists between them and the likelihood that Lieberman will once again demand the Defense Ministry, will possibly complicate matters.

As for the chareidim, it is likely that Yahadut Hatorah will insist on continuing to control the Knesset Finance Committee, as well as the two deputy ministerial slots; Health and Education, and most likely another post as the party gained a seat; now with eight. Regarding Shas, which increased from seven to eight as well, Deri’s appetite will be difficult to quench and he already announced he has his sights on the Interior and Religious Ministries, and there will undoubtedly be additional demands.

The United Right-Wing has five seats and party chairman Rabbi Rafi Peretz announced he will ask for the Education Ministry, but PM Netanyahu already announced he will keep that slot in the Likud camp. Kulanu, with four seats, may still demand the continued control of the Finance Ministry amid the realization while the party is small, like Lieberman, its inclusion in the coalition is essential, for without it, the majority drops from 65 to 61.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)