Israel swears in Netanyahu-Gantz unity government

Israel has sworn in prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Benny Gantz in a power-sharing deal, after nearly 18 months of political crisis.

The three-year coalition government was approved by a 73 to 46 vote in the parliament. Netanyahu and Gantz were sworn in as prime minister and alternate prime minister respectively.

Last month, Gantz and Netanyahu agreed a “national emergency” government aiming to tackle the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis. Under the deal, Netanyahu will serve as prime minister for the first half, while Gantz will serve in the second half. The new cabinet will have a record 36 ministers, as several new posts have been created to ensure both leaders can bring loyalists on board.

“This is an important day for the state of Israel. The new government has been formed with the support of most of Israel and will be the government of all Israelis”, Netanyahu said.

MORE: https://www.neweurope.eu/article/israel-swears-in-netanyahu-gantz-unity-government/