Just over a week after the parliamentary elections in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political rival Benny Gantz have agreed on sounding out about a governing coalition. The two politicians were received on Monday evening in Jerusalem by head of state Reuven Rivlin. Following the meeting, Netanyahu and Gantz announced talks between their chief negotiators on Tuesday.
"We have made a significant step forward," said Rivlin. He had previously advocated a "stable government" involving Netanyahu's Likud party and Gantz's blue-white center-right list. After the meeting, Rivlin reiterated his opposition to new elections. "The public does not want another choice," he said. People expect the two party leaders to find a solution to prevent a new election - "even if that has a personal or ideological price," Rivlin added.
On Wednesday, the president wants to meet again with Netanyahu and Gantz. It is expected that then Rivlin entrusts a candidate with the formation of a government. On Wednesday, the official final results of the election will be announced.
"Only government"
Gantz's list, with 33 out of 120 Knesset mandates, emerged as the strongest force in the election, with the Likud party holding 31 seats. Gantz claims the office of head of government in the event of the formation of a unity government.
Netanyahu called for a coalition with Gantz's Blue and White list on Monday in front of Likud MPs. Such an alliance is the "only government that can be formed under these circumstances," Netanyahu said.
Prior to his meeting with Gantz and Netanyahu, Rivlin had completed a first round of consultations with parliamentary parties. He wanted to explore who has the best chances after the election to form a coalition. So far, however, Rivlin does not comment who he will entrust the formation of a government.
Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Sunday night that he would not support Netanyahu or Gantz. The United List of Arab Parties, which emerged as the third largest force in the election with 13 mandates, wants to support Gantz to bring down Netanyahu.
