New Hope’s Sa’ar says time running out for unity government

With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s allotted time running out to form a government, one of his right-wing rivals expresses doubt that the “change bloc” of anti-Netanyahu parties can form a coalition to replace the premier.

“There are difficulties in forming a unity government,” New Hope leader Gideon Sa’ar says during a Knesset faction meeting. “I can’t say if a government like this will be formed, but it is important to pursue this effort until the end. We have an obligation to do everything to prevent fifth elections.”

Sa’ar, a former minister in Netanyahu’s Likud party, bolted the ruling party before the elections to set up New Hope and campaigned on replacing the prime minister.

Asked if he is willing to serve first as premier as part of a power sharing agreement with Netanyahu, Sa’ar refuses to answer. The Likud leader’s allies have recently floated such a prospect as Netanyahu’s potential routes to assembling a coalition appear blocked.

Speaking after Sa’ar, Yamina chief Naftali Bennett says his party will join a government led by Netanyahu or any other right-wing MK.

Bennett reiterates that while he prefers a right-wing government, he will also back a unity government to avert further elections, but said “the gaps aren’t small” between the parties that would make up such a coalition.

“We’ll turn over every rock to prevent fifth elections. We maintain that the government should reflect the will of the voter and the makeup of the Knesset,” Bennett says.