Liberman says PM may be seeking unity gov’t

Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman says that “it seems [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu is dragging his feet on coalition negotiations, maybe in order to establish a unity government.”

Speaking to Israel Radio, Liberman says he would not be part of a unity coalition. He adds that the distribution of portfolios has not been discussed in coalition talks until now, and that his joining the government is not dependent on “getting this or that portfolios. The government’s fundamental policy outlook will determine [whether he joins the government], and this means destroying the Hamas rule in Gaza and canceling VAT on basic products.”

Likud representatives are expected to meet with representatives of United Torah Judaism later today, and with representatives of Jewish Home and Shas tomorrow.