Final snags in Israel’s coalition negotiations

Opposition leader Yair Lapid’s vow to present a new government lineup to the president by his Wednesday deadline has run into snags in the final negotiating lap among its eight potential partners. Yamina’s Ayelet Shaked (former Justice Minister) stands by her demand for the place on the Committee for the Appointment of Judges that was awarded Labor leader Merav Michaeli. Yemina also questions handing the Knesset Finance Committee to Yisrael Beteinu at the same time as the Finance Ministry goes to its leader, Avigdor Lieberman. Lapid’s majority still hangs in the balance over the commitment of 2-3 Arab Knesset members. And finally, Likud seeks legal advice over a constitutional question: May a party leader designated prime minister by the president hand the premiership over to someone else? The key deal between Lapid and Yamina leader Naftali Bennett makes the latter prime minister first before handing over to the former at half-term.