Axios reported that the leader of the right-wing "Yamina" party in Israel, Naftali Bennett, may announce on Sunday his decision to join opposition leader Yair Lapid in forming a government that will share power in Israel. According to the site, the formation of a "change government" will make Bennett the prime minister, ending Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year rule. Axios indicates that this step could potentially resolve the political crisis that led to four consecutive elections in Israel over the past two years. Bennett met with Lapid on Thursday and informed him of his desire to join the power-sharing government, but he still needs to gain the support of his party members, particularly his deputy, Ayelet Shaked, according to the report.
Axios confirmed that Bennett held consultations on Saturday night with Shaked and others close to him. The report stated that Bennett will meet with members of the Knesset from his party on Sunday morning to gauge their opinions regarding joining the "change government." Axios notes that if this government is successfully formed, it will be the broadest coalition ever established in Israel.
The change government is described by Axios as "extremely fragile," suggesting that it will avoid controversial issues, aim to make all decisions by consensus, and focus on the economy, COVID-19-related assistance, and bolstering the ceasefire in Gaza. However, the site points out that it will be challenging to implement this agreed-upon agenda, and the government could collapse within months. Axios mentions that if Bennett announces his joining the change government, he will seek to finalize all agreements by Wednesday, enabling him to inform Israeli President Reuven Rivlin of his success in forming the new government early the following Monday. This situation gives Netanyahu an additional week to attempt to disrupt the new government and hinder Lapid and Bennett from securing the majority they need.
