Source: Arutz Sheva, 3-18-13
Yisrael Beyteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman made it clear Monday afternoon that the agreement between his party and the Likud would continue….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 18, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/israel-political-brief-march-18-2013-avigdor-lieberman-likud-beiteinu-unity-to-remain/
Source: Haaretz, 3-17-13
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held meetings on Sunday with Likud Knesset members and leading coalition partners to complete a last-minute cabinet shuffle, in advance of the swearing-in ceremony for Israel’s 33rd government on Monday….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 17, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/17/israel-political-brief-march-17-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-names-moshe-yaalon-as-defense-minister-gideon-saar-as-interior-minister/
Source: Ynetnews, 3-16-13
Prime minister informs president he’s succeeded in forming a government after signing coalition deal with Yesh Atid, Habayit Hayehudi; government to be sworn in Monday….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 16, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/israel-political-brief-march-16-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-informs-president-shimon-peres-we-have-a-government/
Source: Walla, 3-15-13
יש ממשלה: לפיד ובנט חתמו על הסכם קואליציוני עם הליכוד. מאת: יהושע בריינר ויאיר אלטמן, מערכת וואלה! חדשות. יום שישי, 15 במרץ. אחרי המחלוקת סביב תפקיד סגן ראש הממשלה, ובתום משא ומתן ארוך ומתיש, חתמו יש עתיד והבית היהודי על הסכמים לכניסתן לממשלה ה-33 של ישראל. נתניהו: “נעבוד למען ישראל”. תגיות: יאיר לפיד,בנימין נתניהו,נפתלי בנט,מו”מ קואליציוני. צילום: שלומי גבאי, דניאל בוק, עריכה: מיכאל ברגמן. סוף-סוף, יש קואליציה: מפלגות הבית היהודי ויש עתיד חתמו בצהריים (שישי) על הסכמים קואליציוניים עם הליכוד-ביתנו, שסוללת את דרכן לממשלה…
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 15, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/israel-political-brief-march-15-2013-yair-lapid-naftali-bennett-signs-government-coalition-agreement-with-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-likud/
Negotiating teams of the Likud, Bayit Yehudi and Yesh Atid are working into the night to finalize the wording of the coalition agreement.
Source: Arutz Sheva, 3-13-13
Lapid, Netanyahu, Bennett
Arutz Sheva/Flash 90
According to the agreement being formed, Israel’s new government will look as follows:
Likud Beytenu
Avigdor Lieberman – Foreign Minister
Zeev Elkin – Deputy Foreign Minister
Moshe Yaalon – Defense Minister
Yair Shamir – Agriculture Minister
Yitzhak Aharonovitch – Minister of Internal Security
Sofa Landver – Immigration Absorption Minister
Uzi Landau – Tourism Minister
Gideon Saar or Gilad Erdan – Interior Minister
Yuli Edelstein – Knesset Speaker
The Likud will also get the Communications, Infrastructure, Strategic Affairs and Home Front Defense Ministries. The identity of each of these ministers has yet to be determined.
Yesh Atid
Yair Lapid – Finance Minister
Rabbi Shai Piron – Minister of Education
Yaakov Peri – Minister of Science
Meir Cohen – Welfare Minister
Yael German – Health Minister
Some reports indicated that MK Ofer Shelah may be appointed Deputy Defense Minister.
Bayit Yehudi
Naftali Bennett – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economics and Trade, the Diaspora and Jerusalem
Uri Ariel – Housing and Construction Minister who will also be in charge of the Israel Lands Administration
Uri Orbach – Pensioners’ Affairs Minister
Rabbi Eli Ben Dahan – Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs
Bayit Yehudi will also receive the chairmanship of the Knesset’s Finance Committee (to be given to either MK Nissan Slomianski or Ayelet Shaked), and one of its MKs will be appointed Deputy Minister of Education.
Hatnua
Tzipi Livni – Justice Minister
Amir Peretz – Environment Minister
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 13, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/israel-political-brief-march-13-2013-likud-bayit-yehudi-yesh-atid-negotiating-teams-meet-to-finalize-government-coalition-agreement/
Source: Ynetnews, 3-13-13
Habait Hayehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett commented Wednesday about the imminent formation of the government:
“I wish to congratulate my friend Yair Lapid for his display of leadership and resolve, and also Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman. At this time the government is being forged in friendship and mutual responsibility. This next government will look out for all of Am Israel.”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 13, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/full-text-israel-political-brief-march-13-2013-habait-hayehudi-chairman-naftali-bennett-statement-on-government-coalition-agreement/
Source: Haaretz, 3-12-13
Yesh Atid had initially demanded a cabinet of 18 ministers, but has tentatively conceded to including eight deputy ministers as well….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 11, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/israel-political-brief-march-12-2013-yair-lapid-gets-his-way-new-government-limited-to-twenty-ministers/
Source: Jerusalem Post, 3-11-13
Likud Beytenu on Monday said they “insist” on retaining the Education portfolio during talks with their potential coalition partners….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 11, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/israel-political-brief-march-11-2013-likud-beitenu-seek-to-hold-on-to-education-portfolio/
Source: Haaretz, 3-11-13
Yair Lapid, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Naftali Bennett. Photo by Archive
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid and Habayit Hayehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett on Monday afternoon, after a late-night negotiations marathon failed to yield resolution on some of the final disagreements delaying the formation of the next Israeli government.
The issues left on the agenda include the appointment of an education minister, the number of ministers and deputy ministers who will compose the next government, and the distribution of portfolios among the coalition partners. A final agreement between the three parties is expected to be announced by Monday night…..READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 11, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/israel-political-brief-march-11-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-coalition-talks-enter-final-stage/
Source: Ynetnews, 3-10-13
“This morning we reached an agreement with Yesh Atid on the issue of ‘equal share of the burden,’ but this afternoon they withdrew their approval to the outline that was devised on the issue,” a Likud-Beiteinu source said Sunday evening….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 10, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/10/israel-political-brief-march-10-2013-likud-beiteinu-yesh-atid-reneged-on-equal-share-deal/
Source: JTA, 2-19-13
Hatnua, led by Tzipi Livni, became the first party to sign a coalition deal with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 19, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/israel-political-brief-february-19-2013-tzipi-livnis-hatnua-party-first-to-sign-coalition-deal-with-pm-benjamin-netanyahu/
Source: Ynetnews, 2-19-13
Hatnua Chairwoman Tzipi Livni spoke at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announcing her decision to join his coalition….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 19, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/israel-political-brief-february-19-2013-tzipi-livni-iran-palestinians-as-important-as-equal-share-of-burden/
Source: Jerusalem Post, 2-19-13
Yair Lapid sent a message to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday, reassuring him that he could be trusted if he includes Yesh Atid in the coalition, sources close to Lapid said….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 19, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/israel-political-brief-february-19-2013-yair-lapid-extends-an-olive-branch-to-pm-benjamin-netanyahu/
Source: Jerusalem Post, 2-18-13
Netanyahu tells ministers Lapid and Bennett are advancing themselves at the country’s expense, according to Likud sources, who allege that the pair are aiming to break the 36-year-old bond between Likud and the haredi parties….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 17, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/17/israel-political-brief-february-18-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-livid-at-lapid-bennett-conspiracy-to-push-haredim-out/
Source: The Times of Israel, 2-15-13
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday hosted Labor Party leader Shelly Yachimovich for coalition talks at his official residence, but Yachimovich reiterated her insistence that Labor would not join a Netanyahu government….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 15, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/israel-political-brief-february-15-2013-labors-shelly-yachimovich-meets-benjamin-netanyahu-says-will-remain-in-opposition/
Source: Jewish Chronicle, 2-14-13
Talks between Likud Beiteinu and the two main potential coalition partners – Yesh Atid and Habayit Hayehudi – were bogged down this week over disagreement between the sides on the new government’s policies and ministerial appointments….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 14, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/israel-political-brief-february-14-2013-israeli-parties-squabble-over-plum-coalition-jobs/
Source: Haaretz, 2-10-13
Amid much speculation about the relationship between them, the prime minister and Habayit Hayehudi’s leader will meet for coalition negotiations on Monday….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 10, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/10/israel-political-brief-february-10-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-to-meet-with-naftali-bennett-after-latter-apologizes-for-joke-about-pms-wife/
Source: Haaretz, 2-8-13
Despite saying he wants the Habayit Hayehudi leader in his government, Netanyahu has found time to meet with everyone else but him; ‘He’s humiliating him,’ says Likud source….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 7, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/israel-political-brief-february-8-2013-no-real-progress-in-coalition-talks-with-yair-lapid-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-to-meet-with-naftali-bennett-next-week/
Source: Reuters, UK, 2-7-13
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Thursday with Yair Lapid, the surprise runner-up in an election last month, to try to draw him into a broad government….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 7, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/israel-political-brief-february-7-2013-israels-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-tackles-tricky-government-coalition-building/
Source: JTA, 1-28-13
President Obama congratulated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on winning the most seats in the next Knesset and said he looked forward to working with the new government.
“President Obama spoke today by telephone with Prime Minister Netanyahu to congratulate him on his party’s success in winning a plurality of Knesset seats in Israel’s recent election. The President indicated that the United States looks forward to working with the next government. He also reiterated his commitment to the deep and enduring bonds between the United States and Israel, and pledged to work closely with Israel on our shared agenda for peace and security in the Middle East.”…READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 28, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/full-text-israel-political-brief-january-28-2013-president-barack-obama-congratulates-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-on-election-victory-in-phone-call/
Source: Arutz 7, 1-24-13
Prime Minister was quick to call other potential coalition partners, but extra-slow to call Bayit Yehudi head Bennett.
Yair Lapid
Flash 90
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has phoned Bayit Yehudi chairman Naftali Bennett and spoken to him. The two exchanged congratulations on their respective achievements in the elections.
However, the timing of the phone call is significant. Netanyahu was quick to call the heads of hareidi-religious parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, as well as Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid, once exit poll results were known Tuesday evening. By early Thursday afternoon, he had already met with Lapid. Yet he procrastinated in calling Bennett until Thursday afternoon….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 24, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/israel-political-brief-january-23-2013-elections-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-meets-yair-lapid-for-2-5-hours-puts-naftali-bennett-on-back-burner/
Source: JTA, 1-22-13
The prime minister’s list fell to 31 seats in the voting from its current representation of 42, while the biggest election surprise was the ascendance of Yair Lapid’s centrist Yesh Atid party, which won 18 seats….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 22, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/israel-political-brief-january-22-2013-elections-2013-likud-leads-but-rise-of-yesh-atid-jewish-home-bode-bumpy-road-ahead-for-pm-benjamin-netanyahu/
Source: Haaretz, 1-22-13
According to the polls, Benjamin Netanyahu is the only man who can form the next government, though it will be a tough job….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 22, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/israel-political-brief-january-22-2013-elections-2013-winners-and-losers-ten-insights-on-israeli-election-exit-poll-results/
Source: Arutz Sheva, 1-22-13
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu wrote Tuesday night on his Facebook:
“I want to thank the millions of citizens of Israel who exercised today their democratic right. According to the sample results it is clear that the people of Israel have decided they want me to continue to serve as Prime Minister of Israel, and that I should create as broad a government as possible.”
“The results which are emerging are a great opportunity to many great changes for the good of all Israeli citizens. The elections are behind us and we have many complex challenges ahead. Already tonight I will begin efforts to create as broad a coalition as possible,
אני מבקש להודות למיליוני אזרחי ישראל שמימשו היום את זכותם הדמוקרטית. על פי תוצאות המדגמים ברור שאזרחי ישראל קבעו שהם רוצים שאמשיך לכהן בתפקיד ראש ממשלת ישראל, ושארכיב ממשלה רחבה כלל האפשר.
התוצאות המסתמנות הן הזדמנות גדולה לשינויים רבים לטובת כלל אזרחי ישראל. מערכת הבחירות מאחורינו ואתגרים רבים ומורכבים לפנינו. כבר הערב אתחיל במאמצים להרכבת הממשלה הרחבה ביותר שניתן.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 22, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/full-text-israel-political-brief-january-22-2013-elections-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-remarks-on-facebook-on-election-exit-poll-results/
PM Benjamin Netanyahu indicated on Facebook that he had already spoken to Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid and told him that “we have an opportunity to do great things for Israel.”
רה”מ בנימין נתניהו שוחח הערב עם יו”ר מפלגת יש עתיד יאיר לפיד.
רה”מ אמר ללפיד: ”יש לנו הזדמנות לעשות דברים גדולים מאוד לטובת מדינת ישראל. מערכת הבחירות מאחורינו ועכשיו נוכל להתמקד בעשייה למען כלל אזרחי ישראל.”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 22, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/full-text-israel-political-brief-january-22-2013-elections-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-reaches-out-yesh-atid-chairman-yair-lapid/
Source: Jerusalem Post, 1-22-13
It is true that having a real, tangible adversary in an election can be helpful. Unfortunately for Netanyahu, he became his own worst enemy….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 22, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/israel-political-brief-january-22-2013-elections-2013-jerusalem-post-analysis-why-likud-collapsed/
Exit polls from Tuesday’s elections, released at 10 p.m. as the polls closed, showed Likud Beytenu winning with 31 seats. Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party surpassed all its achievements in previous surveys and earned 18 seats, putting it in second place.
The Labor party was in third with 17, Shas was fourth with 13, and Bayit Yehudi (Jewish Home) was in fifth with 12.
Another elections day victory went to the Arab-Jewish Hadash party, which earned five seats.
The Kadima, Am Shalem and Otzma Leyisrael parties are not believed to have made it into Knesset….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 22, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/israel-political-brief-january-22-2013-elections-2013-exit-polls-reveal-likud-with-31-yesh-atid-second-with-18/
Source: Haaretz, 1-22-13
LIVE BLOG: Election Day comes to a close, Israelis wait for exit polls. Of the more than 5.65 million Israelis eligible to vote, some 3.6 million cast their ballots, with a turnout of 4 percent more than in the 2009 elections….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 22, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/israel-political-brief-january-22-2013-elections-2013-election-day-comes-to-a-close-israelis-wait-for-exit-polls/
Source: Jerusalem Post, 1-22-13
Netanyahu visit Western Wall after voting, Jan. 22, 2013 Photo: Marc Israel Sellem
Binyamin Netanyahu looked likely to squeak through with a narrow victory in Tuesday’s Knesset elections, exit polls released as soon as the ballots closed seemed to indicate. Exit polls from Channel 2, Channel 10 and Channel 1 gave his Likud Beytenu party 31 seats.
Related:
It seemed that the right-wing bloc had a slight edge of 61 seats to 59 seats over the left-wing bloc.
Official results were expected to be released on Wednesday morning….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 22, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/israel-political-brief-january-22-2013-elections-2013-exit-polls-results-show-netanyahus-likud-beytenu-at-31-seats-yesh-atid-at-19/
Source: JTA, 1-22-13
Initial Israeli exit polls show the combined Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu ticket won the highest vote total while the new center-left Yesh Atid came in second….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 22, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/israel-political-brief-january-22-2013-elections-2013-exit-poll-results-likud-yisrael-beiteinu-takes-31-seats-yesh-atid-comes-in-second/
Full Coverage of President Barack Obama's Middle East Tour & Israel Visit from March 20-23, 2013 @ Obama Israel Visit
