Israeli Government Formation 2020: The Gantz-Netanyahu Coalition
Following the elections in early 2020, Israel entered a period of intense political maneuvering as leaders struggled to form a stable government. The process was marked by shifting alliances, the sudden onset of a global health crisis, and a historic attempt at a national unity government between long-time rivals.
The Initial Push for a New Government
On March 8, 2020, Avigdor Lieberman provided his backing to Benny Gantz to form a new government. This was soon followed by the Joint List's agreement on March 9 to work with Gantz and Lieberman to remove Benjamin Netanyahu from power. However, the alliance faced internal friction; Orly Levy announced on March 10 that she would not support a minority government, effectively leaving the Labor–Gesher–Meretz alliance. Similarly, Blue and White MKs (Members of the Knesset) Zvi Hauser and Yoaz Hendel expressed opposition to any government relying on the Joint List.
Despite these tensions, President Reuven Rivlin officially tasked Gantz with forming the government on March 15, after Gantz secured the support of 61 out of 120 MKs. The elected MKs were formally sworn in on March 16, 2020.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Shift Toward National Unity
Although Gantz had previously vowed to exclude Netanyahu from his government, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel prompted a change in strategy. Gantz announced his willingness to support an emergency coalition with Netanyahu to address the crisis.
The negotiations were complex and often contradictory. On March 21, Netanyahu claimed a deal for a national unity government with a rotating prime ministership had been reached, though Gantz denied this, stating talks were ongoing. In a surprising turn on March 26, Gantz agreed to become the Speaker of the Knesset, winning the position with a 74–18 vote. This move, supported by right-wing members of Netanyahu's coalition, raised concerns about the stability of the Blue and White alliance.
Obstacles and Deadlines
By late March, a significant policy divide emerged regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan. While Gantz had previously expressed a desire to implement the plan, reports indicated he still wished to hold peace talks with Palestinians—a position opposed by both Trump and Netanyahu.
The timeline for forming a government became critical in April. President Rivlin denied Gantz a two-week extension on April 12 and hinted that Netanyahu would also be denied the mandate if no agreement was reached by April 13. After a brief 48-hour extension, negotiations expired on April 15 without a deal. This led Rivlin to give the Knesset a 21-day deadline to choose a prime minister or face another round of elections by August 4, 2020.
The Final Coalition Agreement
On April 20, Netanyahu and Gantz finally signed a coalition proposal. The agreement established a rotating prime ministership: Netanyahu would remain in power for 18 months, after which Gantz would take over for at least 18 months. The government was designed with an equal number of cabinet ministers from Likud and Blue and White.
Under the terms, Blue and White were granted a wide array of ministries, including Justice, Economy, Labor and Welfare, and Communications. Gantz was appointed Defense Minister and designated as the interim prime minister should early elections be called. Certain roles, such as Foreign Minister and Energy Minister, were set to rotate when the prime ministership changed.
The coalition also expanded to include the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and the Labor party. UTJ secured the health ministry and the Knesset Finance Committee chairmanship, while Labor leader Amir Peretz became the economic minister.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Rotating Leadership: The deal stipulated Netanyahu would serve 18 months, followed by Gantz for at least 18 months.
- Cabinet Balance: The government featured an equal split of ministers between Likud and Blue and White.
- Key Appointments: Benny Gantz served as Defense Minister; Amir Peretz served as Economic Minister.
- Legal Approval: The Israeli Supreme Court approved the coalition agreement on May 6, 2020.
- Short Duration: The government was sworn in on May 17, 2020, but the Knesset dissolved again on December 23, 2020.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister Rotation | Netanyahu (18 months) → Gantz (18+ months) |
| Cabinet Structure | Equal representation for Likud and Blue and White |
| Key Participating Parties | Likud, Blue and White, UTJ, Labor |
| Swearing-in Date | May 17, 2020 |
| Dissolution Date | December 23, 2020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Benny Gantz change his mind about working with Netanyahu?
Gantz reversed his initial stance against Netanyahu primarily due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel, which led him to support an emergency coalition to manage the crisis.
What was the main point of contention regarding the U.S. peace plan?
The conflict centered on whether to hold direct peace talks with Palestinians. Gantz wanted to maintain the possibility of talks, whereas Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump opposed this approach.
Which ministries were allocated to the Blue and White party?
Blue and White received several ministries, including Justice, Economy, Labor and Welfare, Communications, Agriculture, Culture and Sports, Absorption, Tourism, Minorities, Diaspora, Science and Space, Strategic Affairs, and Social Affairs.
How long did this unity government last?
The government was sworn in on May 17, 2020, and lasted until December 23, 2020, when the Knesset was dissolved again, necessitating new elections.
What role did President Reuven Rivlin play in the process?
President Rivlin managed the mandates for forming the government, initially tasking Gantz with the role and later setting strict deadlines for both Gantz and Netanyahu to reach an agreement to avoid new elections.