As coalition negotiations with right-wing factions stall, Netanyahu is reportedly exploring options for a broad government that includes center-left parties.
Prime Minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu canceled meetings with his key coalition partners, the Religious Zionism and United Torah Judaism parties, on Wednesday morning.
The move sparked rumors that he may be negotiating with current caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) and Defense Minister Benny Gantz (National Unity) for a broad government that would include the center-left parties.
The announcement came as negotiations between the Religious Zionism party and Netanyahu’s Likud were deadlocked. Religious Zionism leader Betzalel Smotrich is reportedly refusing to back down from his demand that he be appointed Defense Minister.