From the Liveblog of
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Backing Netanyahu, Likud ministers pin political crisis on coalition partners
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAfter Prime Minister Netanyahu gives a press conference declaring his desire to avoid early elections, ministers from his Likud party blame fellow coalition parties for the political crisis rocking the government.
“The responsibility for the right-wing government’s existence is on Bennett’s and Kahlon’s shoulders,” Science and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis says in a statement in reference to the heads of the Jewish Home and Kulanu parties.
Echoing Akunis, Culture Minister Miri Regev writes on Facebook, “It is irresponsible on the part of coalition members to bring down such a good right-wing government.”
Also weighing in is Social Equality Minister Gila Gamliel.
“The security of the state requires the government continue until November [2019]. I believe ministers Bennett and Kahlon understand this and will stop with the unnecessary threats. Let Bibi work,” she says, using the prime minister’s nickname.
At the press conference, Netanyahu said he would remain defense minister after Avigdor Liberman’s resignation of the post last week triggered the current coalition woes.
He also said he was committed to preventing early elections in light of the security challenges facing Israel, such as months-long violence on the Gaza border.
The Times of Israel Community.