Rivlin, Gantz, Netanyahu: New attempt at unity

(Patria) – Israeli President Reuven Rivlin met on Sunday evening with the leaders of the two leading political parties in an emergency meeting in an attempt to form a unity government that would, among other things, combat the coronavirus epidemic.

Although no agreement was reached at the meeting, the leader of the Likud party Benjamin Netanyahu and the leader of the Blue and White alliance Benny Gantz announced the continuation of talks on Monday.

The crisis meeting comes after the third elections in a year, which again ended with a similar result that does not allow for the formation of a majority government.

In addition to the political crisis, the country records more than 200 cases of coronavirus infection, with no deaths. Everyone arriving in Israel must undergo a two-week quarantine.

Before the talks in the presidential office on Sunday, Gantz was invited to form a new government after securing the support of 61 members of the parliament, which otherwise numbers 120.

However, the president seems to be advocating again for a unity, joint government led by Gantz and Netanyahu – a decision he must confirm by Tuesday.

Benjamin Netanyahu (70) is the Israeli prime minister with the most mandates, and he is now seeking to secure his fifth term. He seeks to present himself as the only candidate who can guarantee Israel's security, although he himself is facing trial for corruption. The court proceedings, which were supposed to start on Monday, have been postponed until the end of April due to the crisis caused by the coronavirus.

His biggest rival is Benny Gantz, leader of the Blue and White alliance, former chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), who has achieved rapid and steady political rise in the last three years.

Gantz (60) has refused to enter a unity government with Netanyahu several times, citing his involvement in corruption as the reason.