Blue&White have agreed in principle to a rotation government with Likud, but demand three guaranties to ensure that Netanyahu and the Likud would honor the rotation agreement and transfer the power of prime minister to Benny Gantz at the agreed time, Reshet Bet radio reported Sunday morning.
Blue&White is demanding:
1. A public commitment in writing from all the rightwing-Haredi leaders that, should Netanyahu breach the rotation agreement and attempts to declare new elections, they would remain in a Gantz-led government;
2. Both Netanyahu and Gantz will be sworn in as prime ministers when the new coalition government is presented to the Knesset, so that on the date of the agreed rotation, Gantz’s entry into the PM’s position will be automatic and without the need for the Knesset’s approval; and
3. Should the Knesset be dispersed before the time for rotation, Gantz would automatically become prime minister during the transition government, so that he is at the helm during the election campaign.
Meanwhile, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein referred to Blue&White’s efforts to replace him and their criticism of his not permitting the Knesset to work last week, stating: “Contrary to rumors, the Knesset is open and working. This Monday, the Knesset will do what it has to do – elect the Regulatory Committee.”
Edelstein added that “the rules are very clear and stipulate that the Speaker of the Knesset will be elected just before the establishment of the government. The Knesset will elect a Speaker. It may happen in the very coming days, but not during the first session.
The purpose of all of us is to see that a government is finally set up. Appointing a permanent Knesset Speaker when there’s still no certainty of a new government would be a very sad day. It would be a message to the citizens that we’re going to fourth elections.”
Last week, Blue&White petitioned the High Court of Justice against Speaker Edelstein, over “his attempt to prevent the establishment of committees and a vote for speaker of the 23rd Knesset.”
Blue&White MK Avi Nissenkorn told Reshet Bet: “All of us in Blue&White have submitted a request to stop the destruction of Israeli democracy. We must establish the Knesset committees that should able to function.”
Edelstein criticized Blue&White’s petition against him to the High Court of Justice, saying, “I regard the High Court with respect and I don’t understand why the judges’ time should be wasted. On the subject of Knesset proceedings, I trust the High Court judges, they will not interfere – they are always very careful to avoid that.”
Netanyahu said Saturday night that he proposed to Blue&White chairman Benny Gantz a unity government, with a rotation of the prime minister, with each one serving a year and a half.
The Likud has also agreed on a rotation of the senior government portfolios—Finance and Foreign Affairs, as well as the role of Speaker of the Knesset. But Blue&White insisted there has been a total disconnect between the two parties and that they have not received those proposals.
Blue&White MK Ofer Shelah told reshet Bet: “No one believes Netanyahu. What we saw yesterday is a show that, in the political context, illustrated just how much no one believes him. The whole purpose of Netanyahu’s appearance yesterday was to try to prevent the election of a new Knesset Speaker and a Regulatory Committee.”
Blue&White is aiming to establish four initial committees: Finance, Foreign and Security, Coronavirus Treatment, and a committee to manage the violence in the Arab sector. But there is much disagreement in the center-left-Arab bloc over the chairmanship of the Finance committee.
Israel Beiteinu demands the post of Finance Committee chairman, but the Joint Arab List would hear none of it. In fact, the Joint Arab List sees itself as naturally entitled to what has to be the most vital Knesset committee, bar none, because they are the third largest faction in the Knesset.