Netanyahu rivals inching closer to clinching coalition — TV

Officials in the so-called “change bloc” opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu say they are close to agreements with most of the parties on forming a coalition, Channel 13 reports.

The officials cautiously estimate that Yamina leader Naftali Bennett would agree to join such a government, which would include right-wing, centrist, and left-wing parties and be supported on the outside by the Arab lawmakers, according to the network.

Bennett has clarified to Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid that he would join him, if Lapid can assemble a coalition both can agree on, Channel 13 says. If Lapid can sign on the other parties, Bennett would consent to become prime minister of such a coalition, it says.

Sources at a series of meetings between Lapid and parties in the “change bloc” earlier today say the Yesh Atid leader is discussing the distribution of government ministries. He is proposing that a ministry be offered for each three seats held by a party. The politicians also discussed a mechanism for agreements and which issues will be off-limits because of various sensitive issues where the status quo will be maintained.