Tag Archive for Israel Politics

| March 17, 2013
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Bennett to head panel to break up power consortiums & lower living costs

Bennett to push legislation already submitted to the Knesset on the dismantlement or limits of corporate concentration of economic power.

 

Habayit Hayehudi party leader Naftali Bennett is not only slated to become the new government’s minister of industry, trade and labor − he is also tabbed to head a cabinet committee to seek ways of reducing the cost of living and breaking up the concentration of economic power. Meanwhile, Bennett’s ministry is to be renamed the Economics and Trade Ministry.

Naftali Bennett

Habayit Hayehudi leader Naftali Bennett. – Photo: AP

In negotiations on the formation of a new government, Bennett demanded that efforts be made to pass legislation already submitted to the Knesset on the issue of corporate concentration of economic power. Continue Reading »

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| March 15, 2013
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Netanyahu’s ‘Thank you’ Message to Israel’s citizens

PM writes citizens: “Thank you for awarding me the privilege of serving you as Prime Minister for the 3rd time.”

By Gil Ronen

 

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu conveyed the following message to the citizens of Israel, shortly before the Sabbath:

 

Dear citizens of Israel,

Congratulations, we have a new government.

I thank you for awarding me the privilege of serving you as Prime Minister for the 3rd time. I view this as both a great privilege and a major responsibility.

I will see to it that the new government works for the benefit of all Israeli citizens, and guarantees first and foremost the security of each and every one of you. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: ,
| March 13, 2013
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Just Reported: Yesh Atid to Receive Education Ministry

According to latest updates, Rabbi Shai Piron has just bee appointed Education Minister by Netanyahu.

By Gil Ronen

According to latest updates from the intensive negotiations between Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Yesh Atid’s MK Rabbi Shai Piron will be the next Minister of Education.

Bayit Yehudi will be in charge of the Knesset’s Finance Committee.

There are conflicting reports about other details agreed between the parties. According to one report, Gideon Saar, who wanted to stay on as Education Minister, will be appointed Minister of Interior. According to another report, Yesh Atid will receive the Interior Ministry, too. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| March 13, 2013
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‘Blatant UN Interference’ During Ongoing Coalition Talks Stirs Outrage

 

Anger as UN representative publicly airs his displeasure over Prime Minister’s choice for Minister of Housing.

By Maayana Miskin

 

MK Uri Ariel and his supporters expressed outrage Wednesday over United Nations envoy Robert Serry’s criticism of Ariel’s reported future appointment as Housing Minister.

Uri Ariel

Uri Ariel – Photo from Facebook

Serry was quoted in Ma’ariv as publicly telling Israeli activists that Ariel’s appointment would mean new construction in Judea and Samaria, which would lead to international condemnation and would hurt Israel’s standing in the international community.

“This is an incredibly arrogant statement, and constitutes blatant interference in Israel’s sovereignty,” MK Ariel said in response. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| March 12, 2013
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Yesh Atid keeps making more demands

Once again, coalition negotiations at a standstill after Yesh Atid and Likud disagree over the Education Ministry portfolio.

‘Demand is audacious,’ says MK Regev

By Moran Azulay

 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted a new government will be announced on Wednesday, but the optimistic forecast may be delayed by the latest clamoring over the coveted Education Ministry and other portfolios.

Yair Lapid and Naftali BennettYesh Atid sources said Tuesday that Chairman Yair Lapid is not likely to give up the Education portfolio, strongly featured in the party’s election campaign.

Conversely, Likud-Beiteinu are adamant that the portfolio should remain with the incumbent Gideon Sa’ar. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: ,
| March 10, 2013
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Haredi politicians lash out at Bennett for being pushed out of coalition

 

“The boycotting of an entire population is despicable and revolting behavior, and is a mark of shame on the Habayit Hayehudi leadership,” Deputy Health Minister MK Yakov Litzman (United Torah Judaism) said.

By Yehuda Shlezinger

 

 

As coalition negotiations head into their final stretch, and with the ultra-Orthodox parties seemingly out of the government for the first time since 2005, haredi politicians have increased their vitriol and attacks against those they see as responsible for their political demise: Yesh Atid’s Yair Lapid and Habayit Hayedyhudi’s Naftali Bennett.

Eli YishaiA leading figure in the Ashkenazi haredi political world, the grand rabbi of the Slonim Hasidic movement, said on Saturday, “The Evil Spirit has taken over Bennett.”

Continue Reading »
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| March 10, 2013
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Likud members threaten ‘uprising’ over Netanyahu’s new gov’t coalition plans

Likud official: Netanyahu doesn’t want a liberal Likud, but a Lieberman-style Likud. There’s also bitterness over Rivlin’s expected dismissal, along with a lack of ethnic diversity.

Watch: The PM address his last Cabinet Meeting of the gov’t

 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will likely encounter harsh opposition within his Likud party if high-ranking ministers and Knesset members soon find themselves without a job.

RivlinParty officials on Sunday threatened an “intifada”, or uprising, over what they call “Netanyahu’s failure to give out positions” to members of Likud and other formerly close coalition partners.

The first conflict involves Netanyahu’s anticipated decision to dismiss Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin from his position.

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Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| March 10, 2013
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New gov’t expected by Monday, marathon coalition talks started

Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu with Habayit Hayehudi & Yesh Atid ironing out the the final details that will determine the nature of the new gov’t.

 

Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu negotiation teams are holding marathon talks Saturday night with representatives of Yesh Atid and Habayit Hayehudi in a last push to complete the coalition negotiations.

new gov't

Yesh Atid and Habayit Hayehudi representatives arrived at the meeting to hash out the allocation of ministerial portfolios, drafting a law that would lead to a more equal ‘sharing of the burden’ of military service and the labor market on the part of ultra-Orthodox Israelis, as well as, defining the new government’s guidelines. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , , ,
| March 9, 2013
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MK Yair Lapid to be Israel’s next Finance Minister

Coalition talks very fruitful: MK Lapid likely to become next Finance Minister & Naftali Bennett from Bayit Yehudi will be Minister of Industry, Trade & Labor.

By Elad Benari, Canada

 

Yesh Atid chairman MK Yair Lapid will likely be Israel’s next Finance Minister, it was reported on Friday, after a meeting between Lapid and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was described by the sides as “good”.

The reports in Israel’s media outlets also indicated that Bayit Yehudi chairman MK Naftali Bennett will be appointed as Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor. MK Moshe Ya’alon (Likud) will be Defense Minister, according to the reports. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| March 8, 2013
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Lapid-Netanyahu talks a success: Coalition to be announced soon

 

Yesh Atid report that the path for their party to enter a coalition gov’t has been paved.  Announcement to be made early next week. 

 

Senior Yesh Atid officials estimated on Friday morning that the path for their party to join the coalition has been paved. According to the officials, Israel’s new coalition will be presented at the start of the coming week.

Lapid - Netanyahu

The two sides drew conclusions regarding government portfolios and the fundamentals of the coalition.

So far, Lapid’s insistence on the Foreign Ministry has been the stumbling block to forming a government.

But Likud sources said Friday that they believe Lapid would drop his demand for the Foreign Ministry in exchange for funding for issues dear to his party.

Continue Reading »
Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| March 8, 2013
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MK Akunis: Likud accepts Yesh Atid’s ultra-Orthadox draft plan

Likud MK close to Netanyahu says the  Haredim won’t be part of next coalition gov’t & Foreign Ministry portfolio is reserved for Liberman.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

 

Likud Beytenu accepted Yesh Atid’s plan for haredi draft into civil service, according to Likud MK Ofir Akunis, who is close to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

MK Ofir Akunis (Likud)

MK Ofir Akunis (Likud) – Photo: Marc Israel Sellem

“Regarding equality in the national burden, there’s definitely an agreement. We accepted the Yesh Atid plan, and unfortunately it appears like the haredim will not be a part of the next government,” Akunis told Channel 10.

A Yesh Atid source confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that Likud Beytenu’s negotiating team accepted the detailed plan for haredi enlistment, which would require them to join the IDF or national service at age 18, following a five-year period in which the ultra-Orthodox would be encouraged to join the workforce.

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Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| March 5, 2013
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Is a new Israeli Gov’t, Without the ultra-Orthodox, in the Works?

 

Will Netanyahu give Yesh Atid the ministries of Health, Interior & Welfare, allowing them to keep its election promises to bring about social change?

Jewish Home may get the ministries of Industry, Housing & Religion, the last of which will allow electing Israel’s 1st national religious Chief Rabbi.

By Ryan Jones

 

Developments in Israel on Sunday might have signaled the start of a major earthquake in the political foundations of the state.

Yair Lapid and Naftali BennettAccording to reports across the Hebrew media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally conceded that he will not be able to form a stable majority coalition that includes the ultra-Orthodox parties that have long controlled the religious institutions of the State of Israel. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| March 5, 2013
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ex-Labor MK: Rebellion within Labor to occur “within the next few days.”

Leadership fight brewing as Labor’s MK Eitan Cabel realize Yachimovich refuses to admit Labor into gov’t coalition.

By Gil Ronen

 

A leadership fight is brewing in the Labor party as the party’s Knesset members realize that Chairperson MK Shelly Yachimovich will not lead them into the next Coalition. Yachimovich has stated that in order for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to accept her into his coalition, he would have to make policy changes that would be tantamount to “renouncing his religion.”

Shelly Yachimovich

Labor Chairperson MK Shelly Yachimovich

MK Eitan Cabel stated openly in a Channel 2 interview Tuesday that he is considering running against Yachimovich for the post of party chairperson. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| March 4, 2013
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Exclusive Arutz7: Inside Story on the Lapid-Bennett Pact

Here’s what lead to the ‘historic alliance’ between Bayit Yehudi & Yesh Atid that surprised everyone.

By Uzi Baruch

 

Senior figures in the religious Zionist Bayit Yehudi party are fiercely defending the party from criticism of its agreement with the secularist Yesh Atid, that neither party will enter the coalition without the other. The gentlemen’s understanding appears set to go down in history as the surprise political move that shaped Binyamin Netanyahu’s third government.

The senior figures provided Arutz Sheva with a play-by-play account of the events leading up to the “pact.”

“During the election campaign, in the course of the last months and weeks, we received ill winds from the Likud, which said that there is no intention to include us in the government. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| March 3, 2013
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Netanyahu to Shas: Bennett & Lapid are keeping you out of gov’t

PM Netanyahu met with Shas leaders, said he will fight ‘until the last possible minute’ to include Shas in gov’t.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

 

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met with the leadership of Shas on Sunday, telling them that the pact between Bayit Yehudi chairman Naftali Bennett and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid was currently preventing him from adding Shas to the coalition.

The Shas triumvirate with the Likud Beytenu team

The Shas triumvirate with the Likud Beytenu team – Photo: Ya’acov Cohen

Later on Sunday Netanyahu met with Bennett in an effort to bridge the gaps that have thus far kept Bayit Yehudi from joining the coalition. Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman also attended portions of the meeting, Israel Radio reported.

Continue Reading »
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