Herzog says Likud can join ZU-led coalition

In an interview with the Walla news website, Herzog does not nix having the Likud party join a coalition led by him, but says the Joint [Arab] List is not prepared to be part of the government.

“I am dealing with victory, and I am dealing with change. Any party in my eyes is worthy of being a partner in that change,” Herzog says.

As for the Joint (Arab) List, he says: “The Joint (Arab) List has announced its intention not to be part of any coalition, so that isn’t relevant. They are legitimate, and have respectable leaders, but there is no chance they’ll be part of the government, they aren’t prepared to do it.”

Asked whether the Zionist Union would sit in a Likud-run government, Herzog dodges the question.

“I am focusing exclusively on beating Netanyahu. Period.”

Herzog says that if elected, he will advance peace talks with the Palestinians, and says he would “certainly” freeze construction in the settlements outside the main blocs as a confidence-building measure.