Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his chief rival have agreed on an “emergency” unity Cabinet to cope with the coronavirus pandemic, ending weeks of negotiations between Netanyahu's Likud and Benny Gantz’s Blue and White parties.
FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2020 file photo, people walk past an election campaign billboard for the Blue and White party, the opposition party led by Benny Gantz, left, in Ramat Gan, Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud party is pictured at right. Netanyahu and Gantz announced Monday, April 20, 2020, that they have forged a deal to form an “emergency” government.
The power-sharing agreement means that Netanyahu will almost certainly remain in office for the duration of his upcoming trial on corruption charges. “I promised the state of Israel a national emergency government that will work to save the lives and livelihoods of the citizens of Israel,” Netanyahu tweeted.
The deal required major compromise by both men. During three bitter campaigns over the past year, Gantz and his Blue and White party vowed never to serve in a government under Netanyahu so long as he faces a slew of corruption charges. After more than a decade as prime minister, Netanyahu agreed to step aside and allow Gantz to take the job later in their term, if the coalition manages to survive long enough.
Last month’s election, just like the campaigns last September and April, ended with no clear winner. But with a slight majority of lawmakers endorsing him, Gantz was chosen first by the country’s figurehead president to try to build a coalition government. Negotiations continued even after Gantz’ allotted time to build a coalition ended last week. The Knesset, or parliament, had been given until May 7 to select a candidate for prime minister. Otherwise, it would automatically have been dissolved and triggered new elections.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Israel to ease some coronavirus restrictions, Netanyahu saysIsrael will gradually ease its coronavirus lockdown from Sunday by letting some businesses reopen and relaxing curbs on movement after a slowdown in infection rates, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
Read more »
Anti-Netanyahu rally draws thousands under coronavirus curbsWearing face masks, waving black flags and keeping two yards apart, thousands of Israelis demonstrated against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu under strict coronavirus restrictions on Sunday.
Read more »
Rivals put differences aside to form unity government in IsraelThe agreement breaks a persistent political deadlock drawn out by three inconclusive elections in the space of a year.
Read more »
Israelis accuse Netanyahu of endangering democracyMore than 2,000 Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv to demonstrate against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempts to form an “emergency” government with his chief rival.
Read more »
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Rival Benny Gantz Agree to Form Unity GovernmentIsrael’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz have agreed to form a unity government, a move that would avert a possible fourth election as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic and keep the Israeli leader in power while he faces trial for corruption charges
Read more »