Gantz reaches deal with Netanyahu to form new Israeli government By Phillip A. Howard
After three previous attempts at trying to defeat Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in elections, Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz has conceded and is talking with Netanyahu about forming a government in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I will do the right thing at this time of emergency,” Gantz said after being elected to the Speaker of the Knesset. Gantz also reiterated that during this time “the people of Israel are looking to us and expecting us to keep supporting the sacred battle against the coronavirus and its effect.”
Under the deal, both parties agreed to make concessions for the other. Some of the proposals that were considered included enacting a three-year government in which Netanyahu would lead for the first 18 months, while Gantz took over the remaining 18. Another idea considered was enacting a six-month emergency government with Netanyahu at the helm, with negotiations occurring again after six months or the possibility of a fourth election.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
The move by Gantz has also been seen as a victory of sorts for Netanyahu, who still faces indictments for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust after failing to form a government in numerous attempts last year. Meanwhile, in Gantz’s own Blue and White party, his move has triggered a deep split.
Yair Lapid, one of Gantz’s closest allies, heavily criticized Gantz for his decision. “Benny Gantz decided today to break apart Blue and White and crawl into Netanyahu’s government. It is a disappointing decision…What’s being formed today isn’t a unity government and not an emergency government. It’s another Netanyahu government.”
Outside parties who aligned themselves with the Blue and White have also lobbed criticism towards Gantz. Ahmed Tibi, a lawmaker from the crucial Arab Joint List claimed that Gantz was suffering the “virus of surrender.” While Nitzan Horowitz, leader of the left-wing Meretz party, said that Gantz’s mve “is to spit in the face and to betray the voters of Blue and White and the entire center-left bloc.”
Despite previously having the majority of seats, 61, in the 120-seat Knesset, which would have been enough to form committees and pass legislation, it would have not been enough to form a government.
Phillip Howard is a graduate student at Utica College
