Netanyahu Calls on Gantz to Avert New Elections

YERUSHALAYIM
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu speaks with Defense Minister Benny Gantz during a Cabinet meeting. (Menahem Kahana/Pool Photo via AP, File)

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called on Defense Minister Benny Gantz (Blue and White) Tuesday to vote against efforts to dissolve the Knesset and send Israel to its fourth election in fewer than two years.

Speaking at a press conference held during a tour of the coronavirus enforcement center Tuesday morning, Netanyahu accused Blue and White of violating the coalition agreement “from day one,” but still called for unity, imploring Gantz to vote against the bills calling for the dissolution of the Knesset.

“Tomorrow [the Likud] will vote against the dissolution of the Knesset and in favor of unity,” Netanyahu said.

“I call on Benny Gantz to support unity and to prevent the dissolution of the Knesset. We don’t need elections right now. We have accomplishments in hand, and we are making real efforts to reduce the infection rate, to get vaccines for every Israeli, and to give more support for businesses and citizens – we need to do all this work together.

“From day one, Blue and White has been violating the coalition agreement,” Netanyahu added.

Netanyahu spoke a day before the Knesset is set to vote on bills from Yesh Atid-Telem and Yamina which, if passed, would dissolve the Knesset and send the country to new elections.

Blue and White is reportedly planning on backing the dissolution of the Knesset, along with the Labor party, while the Likud has instructed its MKs to vote against the bills. If Blue and White does go through with their threat, the bill would have a clear majority.

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