Published
3 years agoon
JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chief rival said Monday that he has agreed with a smaller party to work together to form a new government following national elections last week.
Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz delivers a statement in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, March 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
“We’ll continue to discuss the details, formulate our common objectives, and move forward,” Gantz said.
On the campaign trail, Gantz had ruled out a partnership with the Joint List, whose support is rooted in Israel’s Arab minority. But after a bruising campaign characterized by nasty personal attacks from Netanyahu and his surrogates, and fearing further deadlock if the country is forced into another election, Gantz has reversed course and left the door open.
After his meeting with Lieberman, Gantz spoke to Ayman Odeh, leader of the Joint List, and other senior Arab politicians. “Gantz repeated his commitment to forming a government that will serve all of Israel’s citizens, Jews and Arabs alike,” his party said.
Netanyahu is desperate to remain as prime minister as he prepares to go on trial on March 17.
He has been charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in connection to a series of scandals that include accepting expensive gifts from wealthy friends and offering to exchange favors with powerful media moguls. The long-ruling Israeli leader denies any wrongdoing.
Netanyahu’s lawyers have requested a delay in the start of the trial, saying they need more time to review evidence. Prosecutors on Monday said they oppose any delays.
Israel’s president, Reuven Rivlin, must decide by next week who to choose as the prime minister-designate.
The president typically chooses the candidate he deems has the best chance of forming a governing coalition. That is usually the leader of the largest party, in this case Netanyahu. But if he believes Gantz has a better chance, he could give the former military chief the first crack at cobbling together a coalition.
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