Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Calls on Gantz to Form Unity Government

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday invited his rival Benny Gantz to form a unity government to end the political deadlock that emerged out of a second general elections. Netanyahu’s ruling right-wing Likud party took 32 seats in the Knesset (Parliament), one behind Gantz’s centrist Blue and White formation, according to the almost complete vote count, meaning both fell well short of a majority, reports Efe news.

In a video message, the Prime Minister acknowledged he would be unable to form a coalition with other right-wing and ultra-Orthodox parties and called on Gantz to lend his cooperation. “We have no choice but to form a broad unity government, as broad as possible, that is made up of all the elements that care for the State of Israel,” he said. “The nation expects us, both of us, to show responsibility and act in cooperation. “We cannot and have no reason to go to a third election. I oppose it. A broad unity government is what is demanded of us today.” Gantz, a former Army chief, has previously said he would not join a government with Netanyahu so long as the latter, who has served as Prime Minister for a decade, was facing corruption charges. (IANS)

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