Israel's Netanyahu, Gantz reach deal on unity government
The latest deal will allow Netanyahu to stay on as prime minister for the next 18 months while ensuring a leadership position for three years.
After a year and a half of a constitutional and political crisis that drove Israel into three elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz reached a deal for a coronavirus-emergency government, with a rotation agreement between the two politicians.
Netanyahu and Gantz signed the deal after weeks of exhausting negotiations, during which Netanyahu seemed to retract from understandings agreed upon by himself and Gantz.
Reports on the agreement were limited, even though it constitutes a political drama, since the announcement was made only half an hour before the official opening of Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremonies.
"We have prevented a fourth election. We will protect democracy. We will fight coronavirus and care for all of Israel's citizens," Gantz said after signing the deal.
