Shas party chairman Eli Yishai said on Tuesday that he expects to sign a coalition agreement with Likud either Tuesday or Wednesday. Yishai's appraisal came before a meeting with Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu. Yishai added that the makeup of the rest of the coalition will determine his party's decision.

Yishai also said Tuesday morning that the current government won't succeed freeing abducted soldier Gilad Shalit. He added, "The next government will be committed with the same intensity to bringing Gilad back. That is its duty, despite the anticipated difficulties."