Jerusalem, May 7
The Israeli parliament formally nominated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to form a new coalition government despite his upcoming trial on corruption charges, bringing him closer to a fifth term after more than a year of political stalemate.
Coalition deal
Benjamin Netanyahu signed the agreement with Benny Gantz to form a national government after an unprecedented third round of polls which again did not give anybody a clear verdict to form the government
The deal allows Netanyahu to serve the first 18 months as the PM after which Gantz would assume power for the next 18 months
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Seventy-two of the Knesset’s 120 lawmakers signed on to Netanyahu’s candidacy after parliament passed legislation approving details of a power-sharing deal between the premier’s right-wing Likud party and centrist rival Benny Gantz’s Blue and White, a joint statement from the factions said.
Netanyahu’s nomination was submitted to President Reuven Rivlin. Netanyahu and Gantz, who were deadlocked in three inconclusive elections since April 2019, plan to swear in their new coalition in on Wednesday. Gantz had previously baulked at partnering up with Netanyahu, who has been indicted on graft charges. — Reuters
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