Israel Must End Deadlock By Midnight Or Hold Third Vote In A Year
Umer Jamshaid Published December 11, 2019 | 10:40 AM
Jerusalem, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Dec, 2019 ) :After months of political turmoil, Israel and its embattled premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday looked headed for a third election within a year unless they can resolve a stalemate before midnight.
Chances for a last-minute resolution looked dim after days of mudslinging between Netanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz, both of whom have repeatedly failed to build a governing majority in the Knesset, or parliament.
The drama look set to pit Netanyahu -- Israel's longest serving premier, now governing in caretaker role -- into another political battle at a time when, weakened by corruption charges, he must fend off internal challengers in his Likud party.
A last-ditch deal to avert a third general election in 12 months must be reached before an 11:59 pm (2159 GMT) deadline, after which President Reuven Rivlin must declare negotiations failed and call fresh polls.
Recent days had been expected to see frantic negotiations but instead saw all sides trading blame over the failing coalition talks -- and staking out ground ahead of the looming new elections, likely to be held in March 2020.
Conservative Likud leader Netanyahu and Gantz, a former army general who heads the centrist Blue and White party, had been discussing a potential unity government, but then disagreed on who should lead it.
Last month, when Netanyahu was indicted on corruption charges, Gantz called on him to step down.
On Monday, Gantz said he was open to a coalition, but only if Netanyahu was willing to pledge he would not seek parliamentary immunity from prosecution.
Israeli media broadly agreed Tuesday that the talks had all but collapsed and Israel's weary electorate, for the first time ever, would be asked to go to the polls for a third time within 12 months.
"The assessment among everyone was unanimous: there is no chance," said the right-wing Israel Hayom newspaper.
"It seems that the political establishment has completely despaired of the possibility of averting third elections."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Azam Khan likely to miss T20I series against Kiwis due to discomfort in right kn ..
Badar Shahbaz Warraich appointed as PM’s media coordinator
Finance Minister rules out rupee devaluation in talks with IMF
National team determined for good performance against New Zealand: Babar Azam
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 18 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 18 April 2024
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
3 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
4 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
4 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
7 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
9 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
11 days ago
-
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
11 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
11 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
11 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
13 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
13 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1
18 days ago