Netanyahu, Gantz get closer to reaching unity government
Despite an earlier pledge by Israel's Blue and White leader Benny Gantz to not partner in a government with current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, negotiations between the two sides on a unity government are progressing.
Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz seems to be getting closer to deciding to establish an emergency unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a move that would break his preelection promise against a partnership with the indicted prime minister.
Several meetings took place in recent days between the negotiating teams of both sides. The outline now advanced would have Netanyahu serving first as prime minister for a period of one and a half to two years, with Gantz serving as foreign minister before replacing Netanyahu at the helm of the government.
A decision in favor of a unity government would entail dramatic consequences for the Blue and White party and most probably generate a split. The party’s No. 2, Yair Lapid, and No. 3, Moshe Ya’alon, are both against partnering with Netanyahu because of the charges he’s facing.
The political crisis in Israel keeps deepening since the March 2 elections. On March 16, Gantz received from President Reuven Rivlin the mandate to form the next government, but chances of success are slim. The coronavirus threat, the emergency economic and health crisis and fear of a fourth round of elections are pushing both Gantz and Blue and White’s No. 4 Gabi Ashkenazi toward a unity government.
