Israel: slow progress to form emergency government, Gantz demands defence, foreign affairs and internal security ministries

Media reports on Thursday revealed that little progress has been achieved in forming an emergency government in Israel.

According to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC), the Blue and White party, headed by Prime Minister-designate Benny Gantz, demanded the defence, foreign affairs, justice and culture and internal security ministries, in addition to obtaining full control of law enforcement agencies to veto power in this regard.

The IPBC quoted a source in the Likud party, led by caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that the party had agreed to a request by the Blue and White party to appoint IDF chief-of-staff Gabi Ashkenazi as the minister of defence.

The IPBC did not provide further details.

Earlier this week, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin formally assigned Gantz to form the new government, as 61 members of the 120-seat Knesset recommended the Blue and White party leader to undertake the assignment.

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