Netanyahu to hand crucial West Bank brief to far-right leader - report

Benjamin Netanyahu will reportedly offer Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party the opportunity to oversee Israel’s civil administration in the West Bank.

The country's Prime Minister-designate has been overseeing talks between coalition partners following the emergence of Likud as the leading party in this month’s general election.

Likud and Religious Zionism have been wrangling over several issues, namely finances, throughout negotiations over Israel’s next government, but Israeli newspaper Haaretz claims that, while no details have been finalised, Mr Netanyahu has offered the latter party several powers within the Civil Administration (CA) that is overseen by Israel’s Defence Ministry. 

The publication also says that the offer with only be confirmed should Mr Smotrich and Mr Netanahu agree on CA policies.