JERUSALEM, Dec 2 (NNN-MA’AN) – Benny Gantz, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s main coalition partner, said, his party will support a bill to dissolve parliament, opening a possibility of holding a fourth election in two years.
“I joined this government with a heavy but whole heart,” Gantz said, referring to the establishment of his power-sharing government with Netanyahu after a third inconclusive election in March.
Gantz, Israel’s alternate Prime Minister and Defence Minister, said, his Blue and White party will vote in favour of the bill, scheduled for today.
Gantz, Israel’s former military chief, accused Netanyahu of “lying” to the public, blocking appointments of key positions in the public service, delaying the approval of the 2020-2021 state budget, and appropriating to himself credit for the accomplishments of others.
Gantz said, he will withdraw his support of the bill, only if Netanyahu agrees to approve the state budget immediately.
Under a deal signed by Netanyahu and Gantz in May, to form the coalition government, the state budget should have been approved by Aug, 2020.
The bill is sponsored by opposition leader, Yair Lapid, who is also chairman of the centrist Yesh Atid party. Gantz and Lapid used to be political partners, but they become estranged as Gantz decided to join the prime minister, for power sharing.
Approval of the bill means Israel will go for a new round of election and will effectively end the term of the current government.
Yesterday, Netanyahu urged Gantz to vote against the bill. “Israel does not need elections now,” Netanyahu wrote in a tweet.– NNN-MA’AN
