Yisrael Beytenu Leaves Coalition, Bennett’s HaBayit Yehudi Threatens To Follow

Defense Minister Leiberman’s resignation has been followed by his party, Yisrael Beytenu, exiting Netanyahu’s coalition as well.

The surprise exit of the five seat party leaves Bibi’s coalition with a paper-thin majority in the 120 seat Knesset and may force an early election.

A Likud source, however, says that there is “no need to go to elections at this time of sensitive security,” despite Yisrael Beytenu’s exit.

“The government can complete its term,” the source says in a statement. “In any case, in the meanwhile, the defense portfolio will go to Prime Minister Benjamin Netnayahu.”

In another strike against the already flimsy coalition, Naftali Bennett’s HaBayit Yehudi is demanding that the newly opened position of Defense Minister go to them as a condition for staying in Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.

“Now is the time to entrust Naftali Bennett and HaBayit Yehudi with the defense portfolio,” Shuli Mualem, head of the HaBayit Yehudi Knesset faction, says.

If party chief Naftali Bennett isn’t appointed defense minister, the party “won’t continue being part of the government.”

Likud says Netanyahu to replace Liberman as defense minister.

{Matzav.com Israel Bureau}