Jerusalem, 28 December, 2022 (TPS) — Likud signed formal coalition agreements with the Religious Zionism, United Torah Judaism and Noam parties on Wednesday morning, putting Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu on track to have his government sworn in on Thursday.
On Tuesday, the Knesset passed the “Smotrich Law” enabling Religious Zionism leader Betzalel Smotrich to serve as an independent minister within the Defense Ministry to oversee construction and other civil matters in Judea and Samaria. Until now, the Defense Minister had that oversight.
Passage of the legislation was a precondition for RZP joining the coalition.
The Knesset also passed on Tuesday the “Deri Law.” Shas leader Aryeh Deri is expected to serve as both Minister of Health and Interior, and then rotate into the Minister of Finance. He resigned from the Knesset in January as a part of a plea agreement in which he admitted to tax offenses. He was given a suspended prison sentence, but current laws bar him from a cabinet position for seven years.
Passage of that legislation was the primary precondition for Shas joining the coalition. The party is expected to formally sign an agreement on Wednesday.
Still on the agenda is the “Ben-Gvir Law,” which would allow Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir to serve as Minister of National Security. The expanded authority he demands over the Israeli police requires Knesset legislation.
Netanyahu must have his government sworn in by Jan. 2.
