Ra’am not likely to quit coalition, but won’t end suspension of ties — report

Ra’am is not expected to quit the coalition but in the meantime will not end its “freeze” on supporting the government, Channel 12 news reports, as the Islamist faction’s advisory body meets to deliberate its future in the coalition.

The report says that among the Shura Council’s expected decisions are that Ra’am will deal with Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and not Prime Minister Naftali Bennett; the party will insist on its original demands to resume backing the government; and MK Walid Taha will lead the coalition negotiations on behalf of the party.

Additionally, the network says that senior officials in Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s Yamina party have warned the premier and Ra’am that they may not be able to handle the heat if a bill to dissolve the Knesset passes a preliminary reading tomorrow.