Advertisement

Netanyahu reaches last-minute coalition deal

By Danielle Haynes
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party formed a coalition government with the minimum number of seats just hours before the deadline. Pool Photo by Ammar Awad/UPI
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party formed a coalition government with the minimum number of seats just hours before the deadline. Pool Photo by Ammar Awad/UPI | License Photo

JERUSALEM, May 6 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party reached a deal to create a new coalition government just hours before the deadline Wednesday.

Within two hours of the deadline, a coalition government was formed with the minimum 61 seats comprised of the Likud, Jewish Home, United Torah, Judaism, Kulanu and Shas parties.

Advertisement

"Mr. Prime Minister, we are behind you for the success of the country and the government you head," Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett said, The New York Times reported.

Under the new rightest coalition, the Jewish Home's Ayelet Shaked would serve as justice minister and have a seat at the diplomatic-security cabinet, and Bennett would take over as education minister.

Latest Headlines