Israel: a big step towards a fourth legislative campaign in less than two years

Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz announced on Tuesday evening that his party would vote this Wednesday in favor of dissolving the Knesset.

JACK GUEZ AFP / File

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2 min

It's not yet final but the Israeli government is tearing itself apart and the country could see a fourth legislative campaign in less than two years.

Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz announced on Tuesday evening that his party would vote this Wednesday in favor of dissolving the Knesset.

But he leaves one last door ajar for Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid the fall of the government.

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem

,

Guilhem Delteil

Behind his desk, Benny Gantz adopted a solemn tone to address Israeli citizens.

For several minutes, the alternate prime minister attacked the other head of the executive: Benyamin Netanyahu.

It was he, he said, who "

 chose that this government not survive

 " by refusing the adoption of a budget.

This Wednesday, Bleu-Blanc should therefore vote, with the opposition and against its coalition partner, in favor of new elections.

No other country prevents a budget from being adopted, 

" Benny Gantz is justified.

But he tells Binyamin Netanyahu that he is ready to stay in the government if it starts the debates for the adoption of the budget.

The negotiations can still continue: the vote scheduled for Wednesday will only be preliminary, it will take three more for it to become final.

In a video published a few minutes before Benny Gantz's speech, Benyamin Netanyahu for his part considered that "

 the time is for unity, for the war against the coronavirus

 ".

The two leaders mutually blame each other for the current political crisis.

Formally, the government is still holding, but everyone is preparing for a new campaign.

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  • Israel

  • Benjamin Netanyahu

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