Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu close to forming a government – Secured a majority

Israel’s caretaker prime minister is very close to forming a government Benjamin Netanyahuwho secured a majority in parliament today.

Thanks to the agreement made by his Likud party with Shas, Netanyahu gathers 64 seats out of a total of 120 in the Knesset, although the final text for the formation of a coalition government remains to be signed.

Netanyahu’s right-wing alliance managed to prevail in the November 1 election, the fifth election contest in Israel in less than four years. However, his association with far-right parties has caused concerns both inside the country and abroad.

“We have taken another step towards the formation of a right-wing government that will serve all the citizens of Israel,” Netanyahu said in a statement, according to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, cited by Reuters.

Who is the doomed Arie Deri

According to the agreement, Shas head Arie Deri will take over ministries of interior and health the first two years of the ruling coalition and in the second half of his term he will take over the Ministry of Finance. Derry will be too deputy prime minister.

Arie Deri, a veteran politician, was convicted last year of tax fraudbut was given no jail time based on a deal he made with authorities. The Knesset will need to pass legislation before he can take a ministerial post.