Coup de théâtre signed Benjamin Netanyahu. Two days after the Israeli parliamentary elections, which failed to produce a clear majority, the Israeli prime minister on Thursday (September 19th) called on his rival Benny Gantz to form a national unity government.
The still provisional results of the legislative poll in Israel credit Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud of 32 seats out of 120 in the Knesset, as against 33 for the Kahol Lavan party ("Blue-white") of former General Benny Gantz.
By adding their respective and potential allies, religious parties or very marked right for Benjamin Netanyahu, and leftist or Arab formations for Benny Gantz, the counter falls to 56 deputies in each camp. A figure that is below 61 to obtain a majority in the Knesset, Parliament.
Benjamin Netanyahu changes speech overnight
"Benny, we need to put in place the widest possible unity government today, and the people expect us to take responsibility and act cooperatively," Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.
"That's why I'm calling you, Benny, let's meet today, anytime, to move this process forward that's more relevant than ever." We're not allowed to go to a third election - I am against the agenda - a broad-based unity government today, "said the prime minister.
This is a sudden change of tone for Benjamin Netanyahu who, the day before, asserted that the country had only two choices: either a right-wing government led by him or a "dangerous government that is based on parties Arab ". A pique against his opponent Benny Gantz, who had promised to open talks with Arab formations in the hope of reaching a coalition.
With AFP