Kahlon to Herzog: Peace talks are real deal, so join coalition

Days after opposition leader Isaac Herzog appealed to Moshe Kahlon to quit the government as the only centrist in a right-wing coalition, Kahlon returns the favor, calling on the Zionist Union leader to join the government and boost chances for peace.

In a speech at a ceremony in Netanya, Kahlon says a regional peace initiative being discussed is not just empty words and requests Herzog and his Zionist Union faction join forces with the government to push it forward.

“I call on the Zionist Union to join the government and not shut the window on the historic opportunity coming together,” he says. “The rumors and words about a significant regional peace process is based on much more than just hints in the press. There is an opportunity for a significant regional sea change.”

Herzog has repeatedly said in the past week that chances for a unity government are gone, after talks with Netanyahu fell apart.