Conscription may be the main obstacle in Israeli talks

Significance

Netanyahu is beginning negotiations with the aim of forming a new coalition government after the April 9 general election, which saw right-wing and religious parties that are traditional partners for Netanyahu’s Likud win a parliamentary majority. The talks will determine who is appointed to key portfolios -- in this case, defence, finance and justice -- establishing the balance of power in the next government. They also will set out the policy goals of the new administration through a formal coalition agreement.

Impacts

• Netanyahu’s desire for immunity while in office will give parties considerable leverage over Likud.
• The next justice minister will continue efforts to weaken the power of the Supreme Court.
• Kahlon is likely to keep his post as finance minister, where he faces the challenge of a growing fiscal deficit.
• If talks with right-wing parties collapse, Netanyahu may prefer to try a ‘grand coalition’ with Blue and White rather than fresh elections.