Israel awaits its two prime ministers
Having made the toughest decision of his life, Benny Gantz is about to enter a unity government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
For the first time since Israel’s establishment in 1948, the country will soon be ruled by two prime ministers: the first, Benjamin Netanyahu, will be the active prime minister over the coming 18 months, while the second, Benjamin “Benny” Gantz will be the “designated prime minister in rotation” and replace Netanyahu in September or October 2021. Both Benjamins will enjoy the same government perks: an official residence underwritten by the government, a fleet of official automobiles, a Shin Bet security detail and more.
To prevent Netanyahu from reneging on the rotation agreement and actually allowing Gantz to assume the premiership, an unprecedented “rotation law” will codify the process and put it on automatic pilot. When voting on the government, Knesset members will authorize the process, including blocking the possibility of changing it. Netanyahu and Gantz will both be sworn in as prime minister, the only difference being that one will begin work immediately and the other one later.
A date will be determined for the exchange of roles, and on it the switch will take place without the need for another vote or any kind of confirmation. On that date, Gantz will become prime minister of Israel, and Netanyahu becomes his substitute. Also according to the agreement in the making, each of the two leaders can fire ministers, but only those “on their side.” Netanyahu could fire or replace ministers from the right-wing/ultra-Orthodox bloc that he heads, while Gantz could do the same to ministers from Blue and White and the Labor Party entering the coalition with him.
A variety of other political innovations, contrivances and special procedures were devised in addition to those above to convince Gantz that Netanyahu has no intention of fooling him. These should also convince Netanyahu's wife, Sara, that her status will not be adversely affected after the rotation. That is, she will be able to continue as the “prime minister’s wife,” with all the requisite perks.
