Likud faction chairman and number nine on the part’s Knesset list, MK Danny Danon, is certain he will be a minister in Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s next government.
Speaking to Arutz Sheva on Thursday, Danon noted that as negotiations wrap up, it’s time for coalition partners to get serious, finalize deal and “start working.”
“There is tension among the partners,” Danon acknowledged. “Each one is trying to maximize its profits. But, I believe by the evening of Lag B’Omer, we will conclude all the deals.”
“There is also the matter of internal division within the Likud,” the former deputy defense minister continued. “I believe that with G-d’s help, I will become a minister. Given my position in the top ten of the party’s list two times in a row, my role during the election campaign, and my position in the movement, I represent a vast public.”
According to Danon, it is in Likud’s best interest to retain the socially-oriented portfolios. “In the last elections, the public told us that they trust us on the social issue…and therefore, I aim for a portfolio like the welfare portfolio.”
“But first,” he added, “we must wait for the negotiations with partners to end, and only then will we know which portfolios will remain with Likud. There will be 12 ministers not including the Prime Minister.”
“I don’t know if this will take place at the beginning of next week or by this weekend. But I have no doubt that there are expectations. There are many talented and qualified Likud members.”
Although, it is the Prime Minister’s decision who receives which portfolios, or portfolios at all, he is confident his chances of receiving one are good.
“The Prime Minister has a set of considerations, such as position on the Knesset list, political viewpoints, and professionalism,” Danon explained. “I have a very good relationship with the Prime Minister, despite the differences of opinion between us last summer. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then.”
“I believe the next government will be a much better government for the people of Israel without MK Tzipi Livni,” he added.
