Blue and White, Yisrael Beytenu take step toward coalition agreement

Blue and White attempt to negotiate once more with Yisrael Beytenu as the government formation deadline nears.

NOVEMBER 7, 2019 20:46

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz meets with Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Liberman (photo credit: ELAD MALKA) — Blue and White leader Benny Gantz meets with Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Liberman

(photo credit: ELAD MALKA)

Blue and White and Yisrael Beytenu reached early agreements on some issues in a coalition negotiations meeting on Thursday.

The parties agreed that, should Blue and White leader Benny Gantz form the government, the upcoming budget will increase minimum pensions to 70% of minimum wage, a Yisrael Beytenu campaign promise.

“The negotiating teams discussed significant matters on the agenda in order to make progress towards writing the principles of a broad, liberal, national unity government," a joint statement from Yisrael Beytenu and Blue and White read.

Notably, the sides did not announce an agreement on matters of religion and state.

A source in Yisrael Beytenu expressed concern that Blue and White did not offer anything concrete, positing that the latter party may be trying to keep a door open for an agreement with religious parties.

Blue and White would like to reach a full coalition agreement with Yisrael Beytenu and then invite Likud to join them, based on the existing outline.

Also Thursday, Deputy Health Minister Ya'acov Litzman said he would be willing to sit with Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman in the same government if given no choice, though he is suspicious of him.

Litzman told Israel Hayom that Liberman “has a split personality, he’s unpredictable,” but that he would compromise and join a coalition with him, because “either someone breaks, or we go to another election.”

However, he said he will not leave the right-wing bloc of 55 seats.

Omri Ron contributed to this report.