Likud and Yashar Reportedly Begin Coalition Talks in Herzliya

Likud and Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party reportedly began coalition negotiations on Sunday, November 15, at the Dan Accadia Hotel in Herzliya. The meeting was intended to examine the possibility of forming a government. MK Hili Tropper and Ronen Manelis, the former IDF spokesperson who managed Eisenkot’s campaign, reportedly arrived for Yashar, while faction chairman MK Ofir Katz and attorney Michael Rabilo arrived for Likud. Darcheinu activists parked a truck outside the hotel displaying the message: “Gadi, you don’t do business with scorpions.” Before the meeting, Yashar had invited Likud to include MK Elisha Medan in the discussions. Minister Orit Strock said in a Sunday morning radio interview that a unity government would require significant compromises but could operate without relying on the Arab parties. The negotiations coincide with a planned series of parliamentary moves by Eisenkot’s side. Avigdor Liberman and Liran Avisar Ben-Horin were expected to take over the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and Finance Committee, respectively, on Monday. A vote to replace the Knesset speaker was planned for Tuesday, with MK Matan Kahana as Eisenkot’s candidate. Preliminary readings of legislation reversing changes concerning the attorney general and Judicial Selection Committee were planned for Wednesday.