Likud and Shas Make Significant Government Headway, Deri to Be Named Deputy Prime Minister

Likud and Shas reached understandings in talks toward a new government Wednesday as coalition negotiations with Bezalel Smotrich and his Religious Zionist party have hit a snag, Ynet reports.

Prime Minister-designate Bibi Netanyahu met with Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri and the two agreed that Deri would take the interior and health portfolios and go first in a rotation deal in the Finance Ministry. Shas is also poised to take control of the Religious Services Ministry.

In addition, Deri is also likely to be named deputy prime minister, but will not assume the premiership in case Netanyahu steps down or is incapacitated.

Potential issues could arise with the far-right Otzma Yehudit party as it locks horns with Shas over the Negev and Galilee Ministry.

{Matzav.com Israel}