Israel's Netanyahu Gives up on Forming New Coalition
Share
JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday that he had failed to form a majority government in parliament, marking a major setback for the embattled Israeli leader that plunges the country into a new period of political uncertainty.
“Since I received the mandate, I have worked tirelessly both in public and behind the scenes to establish a broad, national unity government. That’s what the people want.” — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
In a statement, Netanyahu said he had worked “tirelessly” to establish a unity government with his chief rival, former military chief Benny Gantz, but been repeatedly rebuffed. Facing a Wednesday deadline, Netanyahu said he was returning the “mandate” to President Reuven Rivlin, who will now ask Gantz to try to form a coalition.While Netanyahu remains at the helm of his Likud party, his announcement marked the second time this year that he has been unable to form a government. With Israel’s attorney general set to decide in the coming weeks on whether to indict Netanyahu in a series of corruption cases, the longtime Israeli leader could come under heavy pressure to step aside.
In last month’s national election, Netanyahu fell short of securing a 61-seat parliamentary majority. But Rivlin gave Netanyahu the first opportunity to form a government because he had more support — 55 seats — than Gantz, who was supported by only 54.
Netanyahu had hoped to form a broad “unity” government with Gantz, who heads the centrist Blue and White party. But Netanyahu insisted that his coalition include his traditional allies, a collection of hardline and religious parties, drawing accusations from Gantz that he was not negotiating in good faith.
“Since I received the mandate, I have worked tirelessly both in public and behind the scenes to establish a broad, national unity government. That’s what the people want,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
Forming a Government Now Falls to Benny Ganz
“During the past few weeks, I made every effort to bring Benny Gantz to the negotiating table. Every effort to establish a broad national unity government, every effort to prevent another election,” he said. “To my regret, time after time he declined. He simply refused.”
“Blue and White is determined to form the liberal unity government, led by Benny Gantz, that the people of Israel voted for a month ago.” — Gantz’s Blue and White party statement
In a short statement, Gantz’s Blue and White party said that “now is the time of action.”“Blue and White is determined to form the liberal unity government, led by Benny Gantz, that the people of Israel voted for a month ago,” it said.
There is no guarantee, however, that Gantz will succeed.
He has expressed willingness to form a partnership with Likud, but not if Netanyahu continues to lead while he faces such serious legal problems. For the time being, Likud has remained steadfastly behind its leader.
Without Likud, Gantz will have a hard time securing a majority in parliament. The opposition to Netanyahu includes a diverse group of parties, ranging from Arab parties to the secular ultranationalist party Yisrael Beitenu, that are unlikely to sit together in partnership.
If Gantz fails during his 28-day window, a majority of lawmakers could try to endorse a third candidate, something that has never happened before. And if that fails, the country would be forced into the unprecedented scenario of a third election in under a year.
Over 2,500 Central Unified Students Receive Spirit Sweaters at 20th Annual ‘Warm for Winter’
Inspire /
2 hours ago
Fresno Police Arrest Gang Members in Shooting Involving 7-Month-Old
Crime /
2 hours ago
4B Movement: After the Election, a Call for Women to Swear Off Men
News /
4 hours ago
Will Terance Frazier’s Nonprofit Exit Granite Park? ‘Hell No’
Politics /
5 hours ago
Fresno Crash Sends Pickup Into Tree, Dark Tint Cited as Cause
Local /
6 hours ago
Macklin Celebrini, NHL’s Youngest Player, Scores on Marc-Andre Fleury, League’s Oldest
Sports /
7 hours ago
Newsom Uses a Stunt to Position Himself as a Leader of Anti-Trump Resistance
Two days after the nation’s voters gave Donald Trump another term as president, Gov. Gavin Newsom staged a publicity stunt to position...
Opinion /
23 mins ago
Categories
Latest
Videos
Opinion /
23 mins ago
Newsom Uses a Stunt to Position Himself as a Leader of Anti-Trump Resistance
Politics /
25 mins ago
CA Legislature Sets Record for Women in Office and Could See Historic Gender Parity
U.S. /
36 mins ago
Trump to Target Iran’s Oil Trade in Renewed ‘Maximum Pressure’ Campaign
Inspire /
2 hours ago
Over 2,500 Central Unified Students Receive Spirit Sweaters at 20th Annual ‘Warm for Winter’
Crime /
2 hours ago
Fresno Police Arrest Gang Members in Shooting Involving 7-Month-Old
News /
4 hours ago
4B Movement: After the Election, a Call for Women to Swear Off Men
Video /
2 days ago