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Netanyahu’s Power Is Extended as Rival Accepts Israel Unity Government Netanyahu’s Power Is Extended as Rival Accepts Israel Unity Government
(about 13 hours later)
JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and his former challenger, Benny Gantz, agreed Monday night to establish a unity government, a deal that finally breaks a yearlong political impasse and keeps Mr. Netanyahu in office as he faces trial on corruption charges.JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and his former challenger, Benny Gantz, agreed Monday night to establish a unity government, a deal that finally breaks a yearlong political impasse and keeps Mr. Netanyahu in office as he faces trial on corruption charges.
After three inconclusive elections in the past year, the creation of the new government forestalls what had appeared to be an inevitable fourth election and offers a deeply divided Israel a chance for national healing as it battles the coronavirus pandemic.After three inconclusive elections in the past year, the creation of the new government forestalls what had appeared to be an inevitable fourth election and offers a deeply divided Israel a chance for national healing as it battles the coronavirus pandemic.
For Mr. Netanyahu, the agreement buys him time to try to resolve two contentious issues central to his legacy: to sidestep his prosecution or at least prevent it from driving him from power, and to extend Israeli sovereignty over occupied territory.For Mr. Netanyahu, the agreement buys him time to try to resolve two contentious issues central to his legacy: to sidestep his prosecution or at least prevent it from driving him from power, and to extend Israeli sovereignty over occupied territory.
The deal, announced by both men’s political parties at 7:15 p.m., adds to Mr. Netanyahu’s tenure as Israel’s longest-serving leader and, coming after his conservative coalition failed to win a majority, cements his reputation as a canny political survivor who can never be counted out.The deal, announced by both men’s political parties at 7:15 p.m., adds to Mr. Netanyahu’s tenure as Israel’s longest-serving leader and, coming after his conservative coalition failed to win a majority, cements his reputation as a canny political survivor who can never be counted out.
For Mr. Gantz, a former army chief and relative political novice, however, the agreement may have the opposite effect. The move was a stunning turnabout after his repeated campaign vows that he would never serve with a prime minister under criminal indictment, and a disappointment to many of his supporters who saw it as a capitulation to a leader they had wanted to oust.For Mr. Gantz, a former army chief and relative political novice, however, the agreement may have the opposite effect. The move was a stunning turnabout after his repeated campaign vows that he would never serve with a prime minister under criminal indictment, and a disappointment to many of his supporters who saw it as a capitulation to a leader they had wanted to oust.
Under the deal, which the two leaders cast as an emergency government to fight the coronavirus, Mr. Gantz will be named deputy prime minister and is to get a turn as prime minister halfway through their three-year term, in October 2021, switching roles with Mr. Netanyahu.Under the deal, which the two leaders cast as an emergency government to fight the coronavirus, Mr. Gantz will be named deputy prime minister and is to get a turn as prime minister halfway through their three-year term, in October 2021, switching roles with Mr. Netanyahu.
But given Mr. Netanyahu’s political cunning, Israeli analysts were skeptical that he would hand over power when the time came — or even that the new government would last that long.But given Mr. Netanyahu’s political cunning, Israeli analysts were skeptical that he would hand over power when the time came — or even that the new government would last that long.
Mr. Gantz won at least a measure of insurance: Their rotation agreement would require 75 of the 120 members of Parliament to vote to overturn it, and if the government is disbanded early he would become prime minister.Mr. Gantz won at least a measure of insurance: Their rotation agreement would require 75 of the 120 members of Parliament to vote to overturn it, and if the government is disbanded early he would become prime minister.
But Mr. Netanyahu, whose trial on bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges is now set to begin May 24, will have an effective veto over appointments of the next attorney general and state prosecutor.But Mr. Netanyahu, whose trial on bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges is now set to begin May 24, will have an effective veto over appointments of the next attorney general and state prosecutor.
Mr. Netanyahu had also sought an assurance — which he did not achieve — that if the Supreme Court rules that a criminal defendant cannot serve as prime minister, the new government would pass legislation overriding such a decision.Mr. Netanyahu had also sought an assurance — which he did not achieve — that if the Supreme Court rules that a criminal defendant cannot serve as prime minister, the new government would pass legislation overriding such a decision.
But Mr. Netanyahu did win a clause saying that such a decision by the court in the next six months would immediately lead to new elections. Mr. Netanyahu could then try again for a 61-seat majority that would enact the override he would need to retain power.But Mr. Netanyahu did win a clause saying that such a decision by the court in the next six months would immediately lead to new elections. Mr. Netanyahu could then try again for a 61-seat majority that would enact the override he would need to retain power.
Anshel Pfeffer, a biographer of Mr. Netanyahu, said he expected that, rather than try to torpedo the deal when Mr. Gantz’s turn comes as prime minister Mr. Netanyahu had reason to protect it because he is still assured of one of the top two jobs in Israel.Anshel Pfeffer, a biographer of Mr. Netanyahu, said he expected that, rather than try to torpedo the deal when Mr. Gantz’s turn comes as prime minister Mr. Netanyahu had reason to protect it because he is still assured of one of the top two jobs in Israel.
“He’s not only won this, he’s bought Gantz’s services as a bodyguard,” Mr. Pfeffer said. “Gantz is bound to protect Bibi, because it’s the only way he becomes prime minister,” he said, using Mr. Netanyahu’s nickname.“He’s not only won this, he’s bought Gantz’s services as a bodyguard,” Mr. Pfeffer said. “Gantz is bound to protect Bibi, because it’s the only way he becomes prime minister,” he said, using Mr. Netanyahu’s nickname.
“And for the next three years, Bibi can go on trial, they can say the most terrible things about him in court, and he can lose, but until he loses his last appeal, he’s protected,” Mr. Pfeffer said.“And for the next three years, Bibi can go on trial, they can say the most terrible things about him in court, and he can lose, but until he loses his last appeal, he’s protected,” Mr. Pfeffer said.
Despite the sense of urgency to form a joint government to fight the virus sweeping through the country, the final sticking points in the negotiations were political.Despite the sense of urgency to form a joint government to fight the virus sweeping through the country, the final sticking points in the negotiations were political.
According to representatives of Mr. Gantz’s centrist Blue and White party, they included differing approaches to President Trump’s proposal to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Mr. Netanyahu has pledged to swiftly and unilaterally annex large swaths of the occupied West Bank while Mr. Gantz has said he would support annexation only with international consensus, which appears highly unlikely.According to representatives of Mr. Gantz’s centrist Blue and White party, they included differing approaches to President Trump’s proposal to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Mr. Netanyahu has pledged to swiftly and unilaterally annex large swaths of the occupied West Bank while Mr. Gantz has said he would support annexation only with international consensus, which appears highly unlikely.
The final agreement delays consideration of annexation until July 1 at the earliest. It declares that annexation must be done in a way that safeguards Israel’s interests, “including the needs for preserving regional stability, protecting existing peace agreements and aspiring for future ones.” But it leaves those determinations up to the government and says that Mr. Gantz is only entitled to “consultation” with Mr. Netanyahu on annexation, not a veto.The final agreement delays consideration of annexation until July 1 at the earliest. It declares that annexation must be done in a way that safeguards Israel’s interests, “including the needs for preserving regional stability, protecting existing peace agreements and aspiring for future ones.” But it leaves those determinations up to the government and says that Mr. Gantz is only entitled to “consultation” with Mr. Netanyahu on annexation, not a veto.
The two-month delay gives opponents of annexation, who say it would reignite the conflict and deal a death blow to already dim hopes of a two-state solution, a brief window to build international and domestic support to try to block such a move.The two-month delay gives opponents of annexation, who say it would reignite the conflict and deal a death blow to already dim hopes of a two-state solution, a brief window to build international and domestic support to try to block such a move.
“A government coalition based on a commitment to annex more occupied Palestinian territory is a threat to a rules-based world order in general, but to peace, security and stability in the Middle East in particular,” Saeb Erekat, the veteran Palestinian negotiator, said in a statement. “Annexation means the end of any possibility for a negotiated solution.”“A government coalition based on a commitment to annex more occupied Palestinian territory is a threat to a rules-based world order in general, but to peace, security and stability in the Middle East in particular,” Saeb Erekat, the veteran Palestinian negotiator, said in a statement. “Annexation means the end of any possibility for a negotiated solution.”
The deal between Mr. Gantz and Mr. Netanyahu first envisions an emergency government lasting for six months, when only legislation related to the battle against the coronavirus can be taken up by Parliament — except for bills concerning the Trump plan, the two sides said. A “coronavirus cabinet” will be formed, jointly led by Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Gantz, to coordinate efforts.The deal between Mr. Gantz and Mr. Netanyahu first envisions an emergency government lasting for six months, when only legislation related to the battle against the coronavirus can be taken up by Parliament — except for bills concerning the Trump plan, the two sides said. A “coronavirus cabinet” will be formed, jointly led by Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Gantz, to coordinate efforts.
The Trump administration plan, announced in January, gives Israel most of what it has sought over decades of conflict while offering the Palestinians a state with limited sovereignty. Under the plan, Israel would control a unified Jerusalem as its capital and would not be required to uproot any West Bank settlements.The Trump administration plan, announced in January, gives Israel most of what it has sought over decades of conflict while offering the Palestinians a state with limited sovereignty. Under the plan, Israel would control a unified Jerusalem as its capital and would not be required to uproot any West Bank settlements.
For now, it offers a vital lifeline to Mr. Netanyahu, who can fight his corruption trial from the prime minister’s office.For now, it offers a vital lifeline to Mr. Netanyahu, who can fight his corruption trial from the prime minister’s office.
By taking aggressive steps to combat the coronavirus, Mr. Netanyahu had already gone a long way to reasserting his leadership and varnishing his international profile.By taking aggressive steps to combat the coronavirus, Mr. Netanyahu had already gone a long way to reasserting his leadership and varnishing his international profile.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“I promised the state of Israel a national emergency government that would work to save the lives and livelihoods of Israeli citizens,” he wrote on Twitter. “I will continue to do everything for you, citizens of Israel.”“I promised the state of Israel a national emergency government that would work to save the lives and livelihoods of Israeli citizens,” he wrote on Twitter. “I will continue to do everything for you, citizens of Israel.”
Mr. Gantz’s assent to a joint government led to the immediate breakup of his party, dismantling the most formidable adversary Mr. Netanyahu faced during his last 11 years in office.Mr. Gantz’s assent to a joint government led to the immediate breakup of his party, dismantling the most formidable adversary Mr. Netanyahu faced during his last 11 years in office.
Many of Mr. Gantz’s former supporters have accused him of betraying them by joining Mr. Netanyahu’s right-wing and religious coalition. Some analysts said the decisions may have ended Mr. Gantz’s nascent political career.Many of Mr. Gantz’s former supporters have accused him of betraying them by joining Mr. Netanyahu’s right-wing and religious coalition. Some analysts said the decisions may have ended Mr. Gantz’s nascent political career.
Mr. Gantz has argued that given the public health crisis, it was the only responsible choice.Mr. Gantz has argued that given the public health crisis, it was the only responsible choice.
“We prevented a fourth election,” he said in a Twitter post Monday night. “We will preserve democracy. We will fight the coronavirus and take care of all of Israel’s citizens.”“We prevented a fourth election,” he said in a Twitter post Monday night. “We will preserve democracy. We will fight the coronavirus and take care of all of Israel’s citizens.”
The coronavirus is known to have infected more than 13,600 Israelis, and has claimed at least 173 lives so far. The country has been under lockdown, with potentially devastating economic consequences, and is only beginning to allow some businesses to resume operation under strict conditions.The coronavirus is known to have infected more than 13,600 Israelis, and has claimed at least 173 lives so far. The country has been under lockdown, with potentially devastating economic consequences, and is only beginning to allow some businesses to resume operation under strict conditions.
The deal announced Monday divides the numerous ministries of Israel’s government in half. Mr. Gantz and his allies get defense, justice, strategic affairs, economy, labor, communications, agriculture, culture, tourism and diaspora affairs, among others. The spoils for Mr. Netanyahu’s cohort include health, finance, interior, internal security, transportation and housing. The foreign ministry will shift hands from Mr. Gantz’s bloc to Mr. Netanyahu’s after 18 months.The deal announced Monday divides the numerous ministries of Israel’s government in half. Mr. Gantz and his allies get defense, justice, strategic affairs, economy, labor, communications, agriculture, culture, tourism and diaspora affairs, among others. The spoils for Mr. Netanyahu’s cohort include health, finance, interior, internal security, transportation and housing. The foreign ministry will shift hands from Mr. Gantz’s bloc to Mr. Netanyahu’s after 18 months.
The primary goals of Mr. Gantz’s campaigns were to unseat Mr. Netanyahu and to uphold the rule of law after years of vitriolic attacks by Mr. Netanyahu and his supporters on the police and the judiciary.The primary goals of Mr. Gantz’s campaigns were to unseat Mr. Netanyahu and to uphold the rule of law after years of vitriolic attacks by Mr. Netanyahu and his supporters on the police and the judiciary.
Despite Mr. Gantz’s vows to protect the judiciary, his former partner in Blue and White, Yair Lapid, noted scornfully that Mr. Netanyahu had come away with control over a key committee that oversees the appointment of Supreme Court judges, who must retire at 70.Despite Mr. Gantz’s vows to protect the judiciary, his former partner in Blue and White, Yair Lapid, noted scornfully that Mr. Netanyahu had come away with control over a key committee that oversees the appointment of Supreme Court judges, who must retire at 70.
“So the compromise in the judge-appointing committee is that Bibi chose all of the committee’s representatives,” Mr. Lapid wrote on Twitter. Mr. Gantz, he added, had “agreed to allow the criminal defendant to appoint all of the judges who will discuss his case. There is no limit to the disgrace.”“So the compromise in the judge-appointing committee is that Bibi chose all of the committee’s representatives,” Mr. Lapid wrote on Twitter. Mr. Gantz, he added, had “agreed to allow the criminal defendant to appoint all of the judges who will discuss his case. There is no limit to the disgrace.”
After the last election, on March 2, a diverse, Gantz-led array of anti-Netanyahu forces, ranging from Arab and Islamic parties to Jewish ultranationalists, gained a slim majority of 61 parliamentary seats. Cooperating to form even a minority government proved impossible, but Mr. Gantz and his allies did at first agree to try to deny Mr. Netanyahu yet another term, either by enacting term limits or by passing a law to bar an indicted lawmaker from forming a government.After the last election, on March 2, a diverse, Gantz-led array of anti-Netanyahu forces, ranging from Arab and Islamic parties to Jewish ultranationalists, gained a slim majority of 61 parliamentary seats. Cooperating to form even a minority government proved impossible, but Mr. Gantz and his allies did at first agree to try to deny Mr. Netanyahu yet another term, either by enacting term limits or by passing a law to bar an indicted lawmaker from forming a government.
Those efforts are now dead, and Mr. Netanyahu still towers above every rival as he has for as long as many Israelis can remember.Those efforts are now dead, and Mr. Netanyahu still towers above every rival as he has for as long as many Israelis can remember.
“Even giving Gantz the benefit of the doubt that it’s better to be a part of the government, Bibi has broken up Blue and White, the only party that’s come close to challenging him in the past 10 years,” said Tal Shalev, political writer for the Walla News website. “Gantz doesn’t have any achievements that come close to equaling the huge score that Netanyahu has just gotten.”“Even giving Gantz the benefit of the doubt that it’s better to be a part of the government, Bibi has broken up Blue and White, the only party that’s come close to challenging him in the past 10 years,” said Tal Shalev, political writer for the Walla News website. “Gantz doesn’t have any achievements that come close to equaling the huge score that Netanyahu has just gotten.”
Adam Rasgon contributed reporting.Adam Rasgon contributed reporting.