Gantz Backs Off of Unity Gov’t, Eyes Control of Knesset

By Staff, Agencies

Leader of ‘Israeli’ Blue and White Party, Benny Gantz, stepped back from the possibility of joining a unity government headed by Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with his party now considering a plan letting the current government serve another six months while it takes control of the Zionist parliament, known as the Knesset.

Gantz party, however, is continuing with its plan to replace Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein with Blue and White lawmaker Meir Cohen, after party leaders met Friday and Monday to discuss the matter and despite threats from Likud that this would halt talks to form a unity government.

While last week Gantz agreed in principle to join a unity government with Likud that would be headed by Netanyahu for a limited period until Gantz replaced him, he has pulled back following criticism from supporters.

Following the response to his agreement to a Netanyahu-led government, Gantz realized that joining such a cabinet would spell political suicide, making him an expendable, uninfluential presence in the cabinet.

The coalition talks have stopped in recent days and no further meetings are expected at this point.