Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu sought on Monday to counter criticism from within his Likud party over his perceived generosity in distributing ministerial positions to prospective coalitional partners.
"The coalition talks have not ended," the Likud chief told party colleagues. "They are at their apex, both in terms of the principle and in terms of portfolios."
Netanyahu mentioned the large number of Knesset seats won by Yisrael Beiteinu in last month's general election in a bid to temper the heavy criticism leveled at him by party lawmakers who had hoped to be named top ministers in his cabinet.
"Kadima does not want a unity government and there are limiting factors presented by Barak that would force us to part ways with our natural partners," he added. "From the outset, this is a complex set of circumstances that have limits. The public chatter is weakening us vis-a-vis our partners."
"If we will be united, we can get more," Netanyahu told the disgruntled MKs. "I am open to good pieces of advice if someone is convinced that they have a better plan."
