Change bloc MK signals willingness to compromise on draft law

A senior MK in the change bloc said that in light of the election results and ongoing coalition talks, his camp is seriously considering compromise on the draft issue in order to form a government. "The election results show the public didn't vote against the chareidim," he said. "If we need to compromise on the draft issue in order to form a government, we'll consider it seriously. There's a whole world outside Twitter, a world that wasn't there at the moment of truth at the ballot box."

The remarks come amid signals and calls to form a change government that includes the chareidi parties, after election results left both blocs without a clear majority. According to the latest verified count, the current coalition reaches only 53 mandates, against 48 for the change bloc.

In recent days contacts have taken place among change-bloc leaders, with Yashar! chairman Gadi Eisenkot and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman meeting in a late-night summit and agreeing to continue their cooperation. The two emphasized the critical importance of voting for one of the four "serving camp" parties, Yashar!, Yisrael Beiteinu, Beyachad and the Democrats.

President Yitzchak Herzog addressed the coming process today, saying: "We're gathering this morning a day and a half after we gathered at polling stations across the country on a very impressive election day. For the first time in decades, we saw enormous turnout." Ahead of consultations with party representatives, the president delivered a clear message: "I say from here to everyone, to the public and its leaders ahead of the consultations, open your minds and hearts."

Meanwhile, the updated picture shows Likud as the largest party with 26 mandates, followed by Yashar with 21. Yachad won 12 mandates, the Joint List 11, the Democrats and Ra'am eight each, Yisrael Beiteinu, Otzma Yehudit, Yahadut HaTorah and Shas seven each, and Religious Zionism and Zehut six mandates each.