Israel’s New Government Finally Under Way

Stand for Israel  |  May 18, 2020

After three elections over the past year, Israel has at last formed her new Knesset (the Israeli parliament). The Jerusalem Post’s Gil Hoffman reports on the new Israeli government that will find Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharing the premiership with General Benny Gantz:

Israel finally has a government following an 18-month political stalemate, after the Knesset on Sunday voted confidence in the new government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz by a vote of 73-46.

When presenting his government, Netanyahu started by referring to his partner in the government, Gantz, who Netanyahu said would take over from him as prime minister on November 17, 2021, in a rotation in the Prime Minister’s Office.

“I will abide by the agreement exactly as it is written,” Netanyahu told reporters at the Knesset, vowing to surprise them by ensuring that the government would complete its term.

Netanyahu told Gantz they had served well together when Gantz commanded Operation Protective Edge, adding that he is sure they will work well together in the new government serving all citizens of Israel.

“We decided to form a unity government and avoid a fourth election that would have caused divisiveness and would have wasted NIS 2 billion,” Netanyahu said. “The public wanted a unity government and will receive one.”