The Likud is continuing coalition talks with United Torah Judaism.
During the latest negotiating session held early this week between representatives of the two parties, UTJ issued a detailed list of all the issues of primary importance to the party as a condition for joining the coalition, including issues related to Shabbos, grave desecration, missionary activity, Foundation Laws, laws related to education and the independence of the chareidi education system, yeshivos ketanos, talmudei Torah and religious services. The issue of civil marriage, which is very important to Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party, has been placed before a rabbinical committee appointed by gedolei Yisroel shlita. Yisrael Beiteinu has repeatedly declared that it wants to work together with the chareidi community to find halachically acceptable solutions and not to fight or ignore halochoh.
The matter of posts that would be given to the party if it joins the coalition was also discussed. The Likud representatives said their party would be willing to give UTJ the following posts: Finance Committee chair, deputy minister (with ministerial status) of the Ministry of Welfare or Health and deputy minister under the minister heading the Education Ministry.
UTJ representatives insisted on deputy minister (with ministerial status) of the Ministry of Housing and requested clarification regarding the authority of the deputy minister of education.
The Likud has yet to respond to UTJ's requests.
