Lapid, Bennett strike deal

"Ma'ariv": Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett agree to either join the coalition together, or to stay in the opposition.

4 February 13 09:57, Globes' correspondent

Hebrew daily "Ma'ariv" reports that Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid and Habayit Hayehudi (Jewish Home) chairman Naftali Bennett have coordinated their positions behind the seen to present a united front for participating in the next coalition. They have agreed to join the coalition together, or to stay in the opposition.

"Ma'ariv" quotes a source in the Likud as saying that if there is such a deal, "it greatly restricts the prime minister's maneuvering room in coalition negotiations."

Yesterday, the Likud-Beytenu's negotiating team held the first round of coalition talks with Yesh Atid, Habayit Hayehudi, and Shas. More talks will be held today with United Torah Judaism, Hatnua, and Kadima. Despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu call for a unit government, the Labor Party will not join the government.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 4, 2013

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