Zeev Fleishman, Netanyahu's advisor on ultra-Orthodox affairs, suggested that a Religious Zionist MK resign from the faction and accept a ministerial position. This was reported this evening (Saturday night) by News 12 senior commentator Amit Segal.
Likud responded: "If such a proposal was indeed made, it is inappropriate, not in our opinion, and contrary to our position.".
Otzma Yehudit Chairman MK Itamar Ben-Gvir gave an interview to Tali Moreno this evening, and referred to the publication in Kan News that Smotrich refuses to grant him authority over the young settlement.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
In an interview, Ben Gvir took a dig at the chairman of Religious Zionism: "I know that Bezalel is flattering me. I can't believe he said such a thing.".
A senior religious Zionist official told Kan News: "We will not agree to the authority over the young settlement remaining in Ben Gvir's hands, as was agreed between him and the Likud.".
Religious Zionists explain that in the agreement between Likud and Otzma Yehudit, it was agreed that Otzma Yehudit's authority over settlement would be subordinate to a ministerial committee headed by Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu. They claim that in such a case, Netanyahu would not allow the settlement to move forward.
Therefore, they say, they will insist on receiving the authority to regulate the outposts in their own hands and without Netanyahu's intervention.
