Netanyahu remains Israeli PM in power-sharing deal with rival Gantz

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his election rival, opposition leader Benny Gantz, have agreed on the formation of an “emergency” coalition administration to end months of unprecedented political deadlock.

The power-sharing deal between Netanyahu’s Likud Party and former military chief Gantz’s Blue and White alliance was clinched on Monday, averting what would have been a fourth consecutive election in the occupied territories in just over a year.

According to a joint statement, the coalition is to serve as an “emergency government” for an initial six months, during which laws unrelated to a coronavirus outbreak could not be introduced.

The three-year deal would allow Netanyahu, Israel’s longest serving premier, to remain in office for the duration of his upcoming trial on corruption charges due to begin on May 24.

Netanyahu, in power consecutively for the past 11 years, is under criminal indictment in three corruption cases, including bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Under the coalition pact, Netanyahu will be prime minister for 18 months, after which Gantz will replace him.

Israeli president rejects Gantz's request for more time to form unity government

The Israeli president turns down Gantz

Gantz’s party will take control of a number of senior ministries, including foreign and military affairs, but Netanyahu’s party will gain influence over judicial appointments — a key demand of the incumbent prime minister as he prepares to go on trial.

According to the coalition agreement, released to the media, the new unity administration plans to extend Israeli sovereignty to the settlements built in the occupied West Bank in breach of international law.

Israeli PM vows to annex Jordan Valley, all West Bank settlements if re-elected

Netanyahu renews a pledge to annex the Jordan Valley and all West Bank settlements if he is re-elected Israeli prime minister.

One of the primary challenges facing the new coalition government is the economic hardships that have worsened with the spread of the coronavirus epidemic, resulting in skyrocketing unemployment.

On Sunday, thousands of Israelis poured out into the streets to protest against Netanyahu and his multiple corruption indictments, urging Gantz to refrain from forming a coalition with a corrupt prime minister .

Thousands rally against Netanyahu in Tel Aviv over corruption charges

Thousands of Israelis have demonstrated against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv.

Palestine slams ‘annexation government’

Palestinians have denounced the formation of a new Israeli “annexation” administration, saying the agreement would undermine hopes for long-awaited peace in the region.

“The formation of an Israeli annexation government means ending the two-state solution and the dismantling of the rights of the people of Palestine,” Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh tweeted.

Hanan Ashrawi, a senior Palestine Liberation Organization official said that “very serious, challenging days” are expected to come given US President Donald Trump’s close relationship with Netanyahu.

“"This is extremely dangerous not just for Palestine, for Israel, for the region, but for the world,” Ashrawi said.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk