Netanyahu’s chief rival reverses, signals he’ll cut unity deal
Benny Gantz said he would serve in an emergency government led by rival Benjamin Netanyahu to help prevent a coronavirus crisis in Israel.
![ISRAEL-ELECTION/BLUE&WHITE HEADQUARTERS Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz looks on after speaking to supporters following the announcement of exit polls in Israel's election at the party's headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel March 3, 2020. REUTERS/Corinna Kern - RC20CF90OUIG](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2020/04/RTS34H8D.jpg/RTS34H8D.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=sklajH4T)
In a stunning turn of events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main rival, Benny Gantz, has signaled he would serve in an emergency Netanyahu-led government as the country battles the coronavirus.
On Thursday, Gantz was voted speaker of Israel's parliament, the Knesset, with the backing of Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party and partial support from his own centrist Blue and White party. After the shocking resignation of ex-speaker Yuli Edelstein earlier this week, the former army chief put himself forward for the position, seemingly ending his hard-fought campaign for prime minister.