The Likud, United Torah Judaism, Shas, and Religious Zionism factions today (Wednesday) asked the President of the State to transfer the mandate to form a government to the Knesset.
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In a statement issued after the decision was made, they noted that it came "after Yamina Chairman Naftali Bennett refused to commit to them that he would form a right-wing government, and insisted on continuing negotiations to form a left-wing government.".
Bezalel Smotrich wrote to the president that since "I do not believe that Bennett and Shaked will serve as a fig leaf in a government of extreme leftists and supporters of terror, Yair Lapid has no chance of forming a government, and therefore transferring the mandate to him is a waste of valuable time for the State of Israel and the president must transfer the mandate directly to the Knesset.".
Senior members of Yamina tried starting last night to convince Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recommend Naftali Bennett as a candidate for prime minister - but he refused.
A source involved in the negotiations said: "There were advanced talks with Bennett regarding the recommendation of the entire right-wing bloc for him to the president. It was agreed that the recommendation would be given in exchange for his commitment to form a right-wing government during the mandate period.".
'"Initially, Bennett agreed, but backed down yesterday and refused to even submit a letter (which was agreed not to be published publicly), which would include a personal commitment to establishing a right-wing government that would lead and advance the values of the right exactly as he pledged before the elections. The prevailing opinion in the political system today, on the right and the left, is that Bennett is deceiving everyone and playing the whole field, and not a word that comes out of his mouth can be believed.".
Senior figures in Yamina, who intend to form a government with Lapid, were stunned by the Netanyahu bloc's decision and told Israel Hayom: "Netanyahu gave the mandate to Lapid. It's unbelievable.".
According to the recommendations to the president, Yesh Atid Chairman MK Yair Lapid was recommended by 56 Knesset members - Yesh Atid, Yisrael Beiteinu, Blue and White, New Hope, Labor, Meretz, and also the Joint List, which decided to recommend Lapid after I'AL and Hadash supported it, and Balad opposed it - and it passed with the majority of the faction members.
Yamina Chairman MK Naftali Bennett was recommended by seven Knesset members (Yamina).
