Israeli Democratic Party leader Yair Golan said Wednesday that a new government could be formed within two to three weeks, according to Israeli media.
His remarks came amid progress in negotiations between the opposition’s change bloc and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, while disagreements persist over the role of Arab parties in the next Israeli government.
“We need to form a government quickly. In my view, a new government can be formed within two to three weeks,” Golan told Israeli Army Radio.
It was not clear whether Golan’s prediction was based on developments in the ongoing negotiations or reflected his desire to accelerate the process.
Golan has repeatedly called for forming a government in partnership with the United Arab List (Ra’am), led by Mansour Abbas, and with the support of the Arab Joint List, headed by Yousef Jabareen.
However, his calls have been rejected by Avigdor Liberman, leader of the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party and a partner in the change bloc.
Liberman has pledged not to join a government that includes Arab parties or relies on their support.
Meanwhile, he has softened his opposition to joining a government that includes ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, which are currently holding negotiations with the team of Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot, who has been tasked with forming the government.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog tasked Eisenkot with forming a government on Sunday after parliamentary elections left both his bloc and incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s alliance short of a majority.
Factions representing 67 members of the 120-seat Knesset recommended Eisenkot for the mandate, compared with 46 backing Netanyahu.
A seven-member faction declined to recommend either candidate.
Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a possible extension of up to 14 days.