Netanyahu secures another agreement in quest to form coalition – agreement signed with Religious Zionism
Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party has reached an agreement with Religious Zionism in the prime minister designate's quest to form a majority coalition.
According to the agreement, Religious Zionism will receive the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption and a minister position in the Defense Ministry specifically in charge of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
The treasury position is to be rotated, according to reports.
Another member of Religious Zionism will also get to chair the crucial committees of Constitution, Law and Justice and Religious Services.
"This is another significant step that brings us closer to establishing a national right-wing government that will take care of all the citizens of Israel," Netanyahu said. "I thank the chairman of Religious Zionism for the partnership and am convinced that we will work together in fruitful cooperation for the sake of the people of Israel."
Bezalel Smotrich, head of Religious Zionism, called this agreement a "historic step" in establishing "a Jewish, Zionist and national government that will restore security and governance, promote historic reform in the legal system, regulate and develop the settlement enterprise, strengthen Jewish identity in the spirit of religious Zionism and proudly wave the flag of Zionism."
This brings Netanyahu's coalition to 46. Still expected to sign agreements are the ultra-Orthodox parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism which will bring the coalition across the majority threshold.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
