Gantz, Liberman agree to meet amid push for unity government

Blue and White chief Benny Gantz and Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman have agreed to meet “soon” to discuss efforts to form a unity government.

A statement from Gantz’s party says the two spoke on the phone shortly after President Reuven Rivlin officially tasked the Blue and White chief with forming the next government.

Blue and White says Gantz stressed to Liberman his desire to form a liberal unity government.

After the call, Yisrael Beytenu released a statement saying that it was not beholden to any one party, and while it wanted to avoid a third election, it would act in the best interest of its constituents.

Netanyahu’s Likud party also released a statement after Gantz received the mandate, saying that Rivlin’s plan to form a broad unity government was the only way to prevent another election.