From the Liveblog of
Monday, August 10, 2020
Blue and White said split over support for anti-Netanyahu bill
Likud party members are threatening to immediately dismantle the coalition if Blue and White backs a bill that would make it illegal for a person under indictment to serve as prime minister, Ynet reports.
The unsourced report does not offer details about the threat or how it was communicated.
The Kan broadcaster reports that a battle is brewing within Blue and White over whether to back the opposition proposal, which would specifically target Netanyahu, who is charged in three corruption cases.
According to the report, Justice Minister Avi Nissenkorn, Science Minister Izhar Shai and Strategic Affairs Minister Orit Farkash Hacohen are for backing the proposal.
On the other side are Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel, Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee head Zvi Hauser, Minister in the Defense Ministry Michael Biton and Absorption Minister Pnina Tamano-Shatta.
Netanyahu is rumored to be attempting to woo Hendel, Hauser and Tamano-Shatta away from Blue and White and into his fold.
According to the report, party leader Benny Gantz will decide on how the party will vote on Wednesday.
Speaking to Channel 12 news, Blue and White No. 2 Gabi Ashkenazi says forcing new elections would be akin to a “terror attack,” but admits the party cannot stop Likud from dismantling the government.
The Times of Israel Community.