Israel Reaches Coalition Agreement Amid COVID-19 Crisis... "Netanyahu to Retain Prime Minister Position"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The formation of the Israeli coalition government, which had been in turmoil for over a year, was finalized on the 20th (local time). Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu succeeded in securing a fifth term by maintaining his position for the next 18 months.

According to AP News and others, Prime Minister Netanyahu, leader of the ruling conservative Likud party, and Benny Gantz, head of the centrist Blue and White party, announced that they had agreed to form an "emergency cabinet" to address the COVID-19 crisis. The agreement includes Netanyahu serving as prime minister for the first 18 months, followed by Gantz taking over the position. While Netanyahu continues as prime minister, Gantz will serve as the Minister of Defense during the same period.

As a result, the political turmoil that lasted for 1 year and 4 months following the dissolution of the parliament after the coalition government collapsed in December 2018 is expected to be resolved. Israel experienced an unprecedented situation where three general elections were held within a year due to repeated failures to form a coalition government. Elections were held in April and September last year, but Netanyahu and Gantz failed to form a coalition. In the third election held on the 2nd of last month, after a close contest, Gantz was granted the mandate to form a coalition government by the president, but negotiations faced difficulties over judicial appointments and other issues.

Netanyahu stated on Twitter that day, "We promised that the emergency cabinet will work to save the lives and livelihoods of the Israeli people," and pledged to make every effort for the citizens of Israel. Gantz also emphasized, "We prevented a fourth election," adding, "We will protect democracy and fight the coronavirus."

Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister in Israel. His total tenure as prime minister is 14 years and 1 month, the longest in Israeli history. He served as prime minister from 1996 to 1999 and has been in office continuously since his second term began in 2009. Netanyahu was indicted by prosecutors last November on charges including bribery, breach of trust, and fraud, and his first trial is scheduled to begin in late May this year.

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