Religious Zionism Party Recommends Netanyahu for Prime Minister
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The Religious Zionism party recommended Benjamin Netanyahu to form the government during consultations with President Yitzhak Herzog. The meetings occurred amid final election results and an ongoing Shin Bet investigation into suspected foreign interference. President Herzog questioned Minister Orit Strock about her views on Arab lawmakers, and he affirmed support for the election interference probe. The President is expected to task a Knesset member with forming a government soon.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Religious Zionism party recommended Benjamin Netanyahu to form the government.
- President Herzog questioned Minister Orit Strock about her stance on Arab lawmakers.
- Shin Bet is investigating suspected extensive foreign interference and funding in the elections.
- President Herzog affirmed full support for the investigation into foreign election interference.
- Sara Netanyahu reportedly stated foreign entities are "stealing our elections" and sovereignty.
The Religious Zionism party officially recommended Knesset Member Benjamin Netanyahu to form the next government during consultations held at the President's Residence in Jerusalem on Wednesday. The delegation included Minister Orit Strock, Itamar Eitam, and Zvika Mor.
These consultations follow the finalization of the 26th Knesset election results, which saw ultra-Orthodox parties secure 13 mandates. During the meetings, President Yitzhak Herzog engaged in a sharp exchange with Minister Strock, questioning her stance on not sitting with Arab lawmakers. Strock responded that "reality has made the distinction."
The political discussions are also occurring amidst an ongoing Shin Bet investigation into suspected foreign interference in the elections. The Shin Bet informed the Central Elections Committee of extensive foreign funding from covert and potentially hostile entities, impacting thousands of individuals. The agency is continuing its investigation to determine the full scope of the phenomenon.
President Herzog expressed full support for the security and law enforcement agencies investigating these suspicions, stating that "any suspicion of subversive external influence on election results must be thoroughly investigated." He made these remarks while receiving the final results from the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg.
Separately, a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office included representatives from right-wing parties, where Prime Minister's wife Sara Netanyahu reportedly played an active role, stating, "They are robbing the state. They are stealing our elections. Foreign countries have infiltrated and are stealing our sovereignty."
According to Israeli law, the President must task a Knesset member with forming a government within seven days of the election results being published. The President typically assigns this task to the candidate most likely to form a government, usually the one with the most recommendations or majority support. Consultations with other elected factions are ongoing.
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