Netanyahu Reportedly Seeks Leitner Party’s Election Withdrawal as Talks Advance

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly holding talks with Moti Leitner, the chairman of the new HaTzibbur HaCharedi party, about withdrawing the party from the Knesset election. The discussions have made progress, according to the Sunday-evening report, but Netanyahu is currently unwilling to guarantee Leitner a ministerial post in the next government. He is also reportedly declining to commit to a reserved place on the candidate list at the next election. In its response to the report, the party said it would continue its campaign through to the end.