Israel: Arab MKs endorse Gantz as prime minister

The Joint List alliance of Arab-majority parties in Israel yesterday decided to endorse Chairman of the Blue and White party Benny Gantz to become prime minister, local media reported.

According to the Times of Israel, the Joint List told President Reuven Rivlin that all of its 15 members would back Gantz as the next prime minister.

Shortly after the announcement, Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman and Labour-Gesher-Meretz parties announced their endorsement of Gantz.

The move allows Gantz to hold a majority in the Knesset and form the country’s next government.

Israel: Joint List and Blue and White meeting postponed

After Israel’s third election in under a year, incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again failed to put together a coalition government, attaining only 58 of the 61 necessary seats.

Rivlin tasked Gantz with forming a government today, in spite of previously calling on Gantz and Netanyahu to form an emergency unity government.

Accepting the task, Gantz said: “I give you my word: I will do everything to establish within days – as few as I can – a national government, one that is as patriotic and as broad as possible.”