Bennett, Netanyahu meet for 1st time since elections

Prime Minister Netanyahu meets with Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett for the first time since the elections took place.

Economy Minister Naftali Bennett with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Knesset plenum, April 22, 2013 (photo credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90)

According to Haaretz, quoting sources close to both Netanyahu and Bennett, the two did not discuss the allocation of ministries in the next government, but focused on its general direction.

The meeting was not defined as being part of the coalition talks, which will only begin in earnest on Wednesday.

“Before we talk of portfolios, we need to clarify that there will be a right-wing, not a left-wing government here,” a source close to the talks says.

Bennett also raises the issues close to his heart — the NGO bill, which the party sees as a condition for entering the coalition, as well as the nationality bill and the “Northern Plan,” which is intended to promote employment in the north of Israel.