Former Justice Minister, the head of the New Right party, announced via twitter the right-wing will remain loyal to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. She announced Tuesday morning that “if invited to coalition talks by MK Benny Gantz, certainly we will respond” but we will clarify to him that he is wasting his time and it would be wise to begin the negotiations with the entire bloc and not the individuals independently.”

She stressed her New Right party will not conduct talks independently, adding that going to a third election for Knesset is “an unnecessary waste”.

Earlier in the day, addressing reporters from inside his vehicle, Gantz expressed optimism regarding coalition talks, explaining that in general, his life attitude is one of optimism and he remains positive regarding coalition talks as well.

בתשובה לשאלות רבות שאני מקבלת: אם נוזמן לפגישה עם גנץ בוודאי שנבוא אך נבהיר לגנץ שחבל על בזבוז הזמן וכדאי להתחיל לנהל מו״מ מול נציגות הגוש. הימין החדש לא ינהל מו״מ עצמאי. בחירות נוספות הן דבר מיותר ומזיק, איינשטיין הגדיר שיגעון שחוזרים על פעולה שוב ושוב ומצפים לקבל תוצאה שונה.

— איילת שקד Ayelet Shaked (@Ayelet__Shaked) October 22, 2019

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)