NETANYAHU FACES DIFFICULTIES TO FORM CABINET

       Jerusalem, 7 Rabiul Akhir 1434 H/17 February 2013 (MINA) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu persuaded Yair Lapid, leader of the runner-up party in last month’s elections, to form a coalition cabinet on Thursday (14/2).
       Netanyahu invited him joining into his cabinet in order to decrease critics and resistances from the opposition about his policies, according to Palestinian news agency, Ma’an reports monitored by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA), Sunday.
       In the last January 22 elections, Lapid coalition parties got agual seats with Netanyahu’s coalition parties. Lapid, a former TV broadcaster who led the party Yesh Atid, opened a debate challenge to Netanyahu, he even said he would be the next leader of Israel if Netanyahu fails to form a stable government.
       Netanyahu, who wanted to establish a solid cabinet after President George Shoros inagurated him become Israeli prime minister for twice.
      “The meeting between Netanyahu and Lapid was done in a very good atmosphere. They agreed to hold the next meeting to discuss the cabinet soon after they reached a political agreement,” said Yisrael Beiteinu, from Yesh Atid party in his brief statement.
      Netanyahu needs at least 61 seats in parliament and has 42 days to form a coalition with other parties. He has several options, ranging from right-wing coalition partners, or with the middle and left-wing parties for a broader alliance.
      A coalition government with many parters will help Netanyahu to obtain a better image in the eyes of Israeli people. Right now, he is preparing for the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama’s who will come in the spring time.
      Right now, only United States who are still loyal to give full support to Israel. Meanwhile, European, Asia and America Latin countries began to withdraw their support to Israel who had been colonizing Palestine.
      The two current international issues relating to Israel are the Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement that did not work and the possible action of Israeli attack to Iran’s nuclear program for the reason of  economic and social concerns of the country.
      Netanyahu said that the opposition parties now brings the issue of religion and foreign policy which now get the support from Israeli people.
      “Netanyahu wants Lapid to be a partner in his cabinet,” said Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom of the Likud-Beiteinu party e in Jerusalem.
      “We are the people of Israel want to see a solid government. We want each party to understand that the times have changed, and something must be done”, he added.
      Each of the men and women of Israel are required to undergo compulsory military service for three years when they are 18 years old. However, an exception was made for most of the Arab-Israeli citizens, as well as ultra-Orthodox men and women.
      About 60 percent of the ultra-Orthodox residents fully engaged in the study of Judaism, they are not allowed to go out to the market or working out. It weighed heavily on the load state . (T/P04/E1)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).