"I believe together we can establish a broad national government," says Shaked in her first public statement on the upcoming election since taking over Yamina. Labor Party gears for leadership primaries on July 18.
Yisrael Beytenu plans to demand the highly coveted Interior Affairs portfolio in the next government; Blue and White leader Benny Gantz reportedly courting former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, while Likud primaries are likely to be crowded.
With Ayelet Shaked at the helm, the right-wing party is expected to essentially retain its position in parliament, but could potentially sway the balance of power in favor of Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to form the next government.
Fall elections will be Israel's fifth in three years. Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid will assume office as prime minister at midnight, Bennett to serve as PM-designate and acting religious affairs minister.
"Even Netanyahu's greatest supporters say that they will not follow him into a sixth election campaign. He will have to step down," one party official asserts.
Ayelet Shaked and Matan Kahana are reportedly interested in taking over as party heads should Bennett decide step down. Religious Zionist Party head says he is willing to join forces with Shaked under Netanyahu’s leadership to avoid snap elections.
In what is likely his last Cabinet meeting as premier, Bennett lists series of accomplishments under his year-old government and thanks his coalition partners.
Likud insists party will refuse to form a government led by someone other than Netanyahu. Likud officials accuse MKs David Bitan and Yisrael Katz of attempting to form a party within the Likud ahead of party primaries.
Beware false election narratives from both the left and right. Do not let radical electioneering disfigure a noble reality.
Legislation to face second and third readings next week, at which time Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will be replaced by PM-designate Yair Lapid. Israel expected to hold its fifth elections in three years on Oct. 25.