Ashkenazi reportedly says Netanyahu 'will do everything' to avoid leaving PM's residence

Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi of the Blue and White party has said in private conversations that Prime Minister Netanyahu is determined not to leave the Prime Minister’s Residence in Jerusalem, the Kan public broadcaster reports.

“Netanyahu doesn’t want to vacate [the Prime Minister’s Residence] at all, he will do everything to avoid this. We don’t need to blink [first] and fold. He’s determined to go to elections, let’s see him do this,” Ashkenazi is quoted as saying.

According to the report, Ashkenazi and Justice Minister Avi Nissenkorn oppose agreeing to Netanyahu’s demands in the ongoing coalition crisis, while Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is weighing what compromises could prevent new elections.

Ashkenazi’s office denies the report.