Report: New Political Deal Could Prevent Third Elections

With just 15 days left for the Knesset to find a new prime minister or disperse and take the country to unprecedented third elections in less than a year, covert negotiations are being held in an attempt to agree on a unity government between the Likud and Blue and White, despite the political impasse, Channel 12 reported Tuesday.

The outline reportedly being discussed entails Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu serving as prime minister for another five or six months – the time he would serve as caretaker prime minister in any case, until the next government would be formed, if there were to be elections in March – and then Blue and White leader Benny Gantz taking over for two years, after which Netanyahu, or another Likud candidate if he will need to step down, would take over for the remainder of the four-year term.

According to the report, the proposal was discussed in a closed-door meeting in the Knesset Monday evening, although it is unclear if it has garnered any support in the Blue and White party.