Israel Discusses Formation of 'Emergency National Cabinet' for COVID-19 Response

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] In Israel, the formation of an 'emergency national unity cabinet' is being discussed in relation to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to local Israeli media, on the evening of the 12th, Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel and leader of the right-wing Likud Party, and Benny Gantz, leader of the centrist Blue and White Party, held a phone call to discuss the formation of an emergency national unity cabinet to respond to the COVID-19 situation.

Prime Minister Netanyahu proposed starting negotiations to form the emergency national unity cabinet, and Gantz was reportedly supportive of the unity cabinet.

However, Netanyahu stated, "Terror supporters cannot be members of the government," and insisted that Arab parties should be excluded from the formation of the unity cabinet.

President Reuven Rivlin is expected to consult with political parties by the 17th and nominate a candidate for prime minister, granting the authority to form a coalition government.

In Israel, a general election was held on the 2nd to elect 120 members of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, but the possibility of forming a national unity cabinet seemed low. The Likud Party secured the most seats with 36, but Netanyahu's right-wing bloc held a total of 58 seats, three short of the majority (61 seats) needed to form a coalition.

Additionally, Benny Gantz, leader of the Blue and White Party with 33 seats, has been pursuing a coalition with the Arab parties' alliance 'Joint List' (15 seats) and the far-right party 'Yisrael Beiteinu' (7 seats). Gantz has stated that he would not join hands with Netanyahu, who has been indicted by prosecutors on corruption charges.

Previously, after general elections in April and September last year, both Netanyahu and Gantz failed to form a coalition government.

However, with the recent COVID-19 crisis emerging as an urgent issue, there appears to be a growing sentiment that political turmoil must be ended.

According to Israeli media, as of the morning of the 13th, 126 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in Israel.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.