Gantz tells Rivlin he’ll likely request extension of mandate to form government


April 5, 2020
JFJFP
Disputes still remain over the issue of West Bank annexation.

President Reuven Rivlin (R) tasks Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz with forming a government March 16, 2020

Times of Israel reports, “Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz said Sunday that he will likely seek an extension of his mandate to form a government, which will expire over the Passover holiday. He informed President Reuven Rivlin of his intention during a phone call, Blue and White said in a statement. Rivlin said he would consider the request, if filed, in light of the circumstances Gantz will present as the April 13 deadline gets closer, according to the statement.”

“Blue and White said Gantz had also updated Rivlin on the talks to form “an emergency government and national unity” with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud.”…The meeting was described as a “positive” one during which “understandings were reached,” according to a rare joint statement from their offices. The two party leaders instructed their negotiating teams “to try and bring about a coalition agreement between Blue and White and Likud as soon as possible,” it added.”…

“But disputes still remain over the issue of West Bank annexation, according to an official involved in the negotiations. Netanyahu views the move as a legacy-maker and has been adamant about seeing the election promise through before he hands over to Gantz, as scheduled under the tentative deal, in fall 2021. Gantz, on the other hand, has long opposed unilateral annexation but recognizes that the right-wing bloc currently has a majority in support for the move, thanks to the votes of Telem defectors Yoaz Hendel and Zvi Hauser as well as Yisrael Beytenu’s seven MKs from the opposition. He therefore is hoping to influence the decision from the powerful position of defense minister, which he is slated to become, Channel 12 reported.” (more…)

 

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