Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz presented Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with an ultimatum the afternoon of April 16: If Netanyahu does not sign an agreement for a unity government by April 20, Gantz will advance legislation preventing an indicted politician from composing a government.

If the legislation became law, this would end the current premier's prospects for remaining in the post, since he was indicted on charges involving corruption, breach of trust and fraud earlier this year.

Gantz decided to take matter into his own hands early April 16 and not wait for Netanyahu to change his mind after coalition talks hit another dead end. According to reports, Gantz was under the impression that Netanyahu actually seeks a fourth election, after three previous rounds have yet to lead to the formation of a government.

Thus, Gantz convened his Knesset faction for a special meeting, updating his colleagues on details of the talks held between himself and Netanyahu over the past three weeks. According to a Blue and White source speaking on condition of anonymity, Gantz made it clear that he won’t sit idly and wait for the premier. "I will turn the Knesset operational on Monday," the source quoted Gantz as saying; the source said the Blue and White chair would enable votes on legislative proposals targeting Netanyahu.