Israeli Arab Parties Back Gantz For PM In Break With Precedent
Muhammad Irfan Published September 22, 2019 | 09:20 PM
Jerusalem, Sept 22 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Sep, 2019 ) :Israeli Arab political parties are backing ex-military chief Benny Gantz as the country's next prime minister in a break with precedent, they announced Sunday.
The mainly Arab Joint List alliance made the announcement at roughly the same time as its leader, Ayman Odeh, published an opinion piece on the New York Times website speaking of the move.
It was the first time since 1992 that majority Arab parties have endorsed a candidate for prime minister.
Shortly later, Odeh told Israeli President Reuven Rivlin the alliance's priority was to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power, and was therefore recommending Gantz.
He made the comments as Rivlin consulted with Israeli political parties on who should form the next government following Tuesday's deadlocked general elections.
The Joint List won 13 seats in the election, making them the third-largest force in the 120-seat legislature.
One party within the alliance, accounting for three seats, signalled it was against the decision.
Even with the endorsement of all 13 seats, Gantz and his centrist Blue and White alliance would fall short of 61 needed for a majority.
He is expected to have the endorsement of 57 seats during Rivlin's consultations. Netanyahu is expected to receive 55.
Rivlin has said he believes a unity government should include both Netanyahu's Likud and Blue and White in order to create a stable coalition.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at various parts of country
Implementation of Sindh Agriculture Workers Act-2019 demanded
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
Khawaja reiterates PM commitment to judiciary
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary
2 days ago -
Architectural grandeur of Mohabat Khan Mosque attracts visitors, archeology lovers
2 days ago -
Besant Hall cultural centre to hold programme in memory Pir Hassam din Rashdi
4 days ago -
USA beats Mexico 2-0 for CONCACAF Nations League title
4 days ago -
World urged to intervene for peace in Kashmir
5 days ago -
Undeterred resolve – only way to end economic woes
5 days ago
-
Organic Food: A booming trend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
5 days ago -
From Soil to Harvest: Use of modern technology vital for agricultural renaissance
5 days ago -
Spring season offers glimpse into GB's natural beauty, cultural heritage
5 days ago -
Nation to mark decades’ long journey of resilience through annals of history
7 days ago -
23rd March: A historic day reminds Muslims’ heroic struggle for Pakistan
7 days ago -
Measures urged to recharge depleting water table: Experts
7 days ago