Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz on April 20 signed an agreement to form a unity government.
Under the agreement, Netanyahu will serve as prime minister for 18 months, and then Gantz will take over at the position for another 18 months. Gantz will serve as defense minister during Netanyahu’s remaining 18 months as prime minister.
Netanyahu tweeted in Hebrew, “I promised the State of Israel a national emergency government that would work to save the lives and livelihoods of Israeli citizens. I will continue to do everything for you citizens of Israel.”
Gantz similarly tweeted, “We prevented fourth elections. We will protect democracy. We will fight the coronavirus and take care of all Israeli citizens.”
Yesh-Atid leader Yair Lapid criticized the deal for allowing Netanyahu to choose the representatives to the Judicial Selection Committee, the committee responsible for appointing judges to the Israeli courts. Lapid accused Gantz of agreeing “to allow the criminal defendant to appoint the judges that will judge on his matters.”
Netanyahu was indicted on charges of corruption in February; his trial will begin on May 24.
