Gantz calls Netanyahu’s bluff on budget showdown

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s partner and rival Benny Gantz has called his bluff, forcing him to compromise on extending the budget deadline that would have forced new elections.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) and alternate Prime Minister and Defence Minister Benny Gantz (L) issue a statement at the Israeli Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv on July 27, 2020 following the high tensions with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah at the Israeli-Lebanon border. (Photo by Tal SHAHAR / POOL / AFP) (Photo by TAL SHAHAR/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) and Defense Minister Benny Gantz (L) issue a statement at the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv on July 27, 2020 following the high tensions with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah at the Israeli-Lebanon border. - TAL SHAHAR/AFP via Getty Images
Ben Caspit headshot
Ben Caspit
@BenCaspit

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz had until midnight on Aug. 24 to reach a compromise on state budget. Failure to reach one would mean that the Knesset would be dispersed and new elections announced. At last moment, the two partners and rivals indeed reached a compromise, staving off the deadline for another four months.

But the compromise is bad news for the premier. If Gantz takes over from Netanyahu in November 2021 as per their coalition agreement, it would be due to this compromise. Gantz’ prospects of becoming prime minister have just grown.

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