Israel’s next government remains uncertain after representatives of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud and Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar agreed Sunday to continue coalition talks without resolving who would lead it.
The parties’ joint statement described the roughly hourlong meeting as businesslike and said discussions would continue. It gave no details of the agenda and did not say whether the sides had made progress. Representatives of Naftali Bennett’s B’Yachad party also attended, The Times of Israel reported.
Ynet reported Eisenkot intended to offer Likud a place in a government under his leadership. The outlet said Likud is expected to reject a proposal that would keep Netanyahu from the premiership and wants every member of his political bloc included, including Otzma Yehudit.
The talks follow Netanyahu’s earlier unity appeal. Israel’s Oct. 27 election left no bloc with a majority, and Eisenkot holds the mandate to form a government. Netanyahu said he would keep contacting potential partners.