Israel president taps Gantz to form govt as pandemic hovers

Announcement marks setback for right-wing premier Benjamin Netanyahu. FMTNews Israel

Gantz secured recommendations to lead a government from 61 lawmakers in parliament.

Gantz on Sunday secured recommendations to lead a government from 61 lawmakers in the 120-seat Knesset, or parliament, in the wake of a March 2 election – the third national poll in less than a year. Driven by the need to ensure a coherent policy response to the coronavirus pandemic, Rivlin therefore appears to be simultaneously pursuing a stop-gap option – an interim unity administration involving both Gantz and Netanyahu.

Aside from being anti-Netanyahu, the Joint List and Yisrael Beiteinu have almost no common political ground. But Gantz blasted the prime minister for floating that offer to the media, before discussing ideas in private negotiations. Gantz has previously refused to serve in any government led by someone facing criminal charges, but that was before the coronavirus crisis.

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