Netanyahu's mandate to form government part of a compromise solution

(Patria) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White alliance leader Benny Gantz will meet on Wednesday to try once again to agree on the formation of a unity government.

Previous meetings have been unsuccessful because Gantz refuses to enter a government with Netanyahu, citing his involvement in corruption as the reason, for which he faces indictment.

While the leadership of Netanyahu's party, as they claim, is "very disappointed that Blue and White is not showing willingness for compromise," Gantz's alliance blames Likud for the lack of progress because they insist on a right-wing bloc of 55 Knesset members and "empty slogans that will result in a third election," said the spokesperson for Blue and White, emphasizing that "Israel deserves a more comprehensive, liberal, unity government led by Gantz, and we will continue to work towards that.".

When President Rivlin appointed Netanyahu as the prime minister-designate, despite Gantz's alliance winning more support (one seat more in parliament), many thought it was a kind of political deal rather than blatant favoritism towards Netanyahu (although such assumptions were certainly present).

It turned out that Rivlin had a very specific proposal in mind, which involved a compromise solution to the stalemate caused by Gantz's refusal to enter a government with Netanyahu as long as he is under corruption charges.

In accordance with existing law, a minister can replace the prime minister for up to 100 days if the prime minister is unable to perform their duties. Rivlin proposed amending this law to create an official position of deputy prime minister, where an indictment would be the "trigger" for the deputy to assume the prime minister's role, with an extension of the transition period beyond 100 days.

Israeli media report that Netanyahu has agreed to the proposal.   

In addition, Rivlin proposed a parity government to equally distribute government portfolios between the right-wing bloc and the center-left Blue and White alliance, giving the alliance with its 33 seats (without coalition with smaller parties) equal executive power as the right-wing bloc with its 55.

In case of another failed agreement between Netanyahu and Gantz at Wednesday's meeting, Netanyahu will likely be forced to return the mandate to form a government to Rivlin, who is expected to then pass it on to Gantz.

Rivlin's attempt to form a unity national government instead of deepening political fragmentation by formalizing the election results has, in turn, been supported by Avigdor Lieberman, who advocates for the same concept.  

He commented on his Facebook profile that there isn't much ideological difference between Likud and Blue and White "that cannot be overcome," and called for everyone to "show responsibility, put aside ego and personal interests, and form a government that will begin to solve the problems and challenges we face" in the new year.

The key card is in Gantz's hands, but the question is whether and how he will use it on Wednesday.