Gantz says elections can be averted, but only if PM gives up immunity bid

9 December 2019, 3:38 pm

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Blue and White leader Benny Gantz addresses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a faction meeting, saying there is still a chance to prevent “expensive and unnecessary” elections from being called later this week.

But he says a condition for that is the premier vowing he won’t ask the Knesset to grant him immunity from prosecution in three corruption cases — reportedly a condition Netanyahu has been setting for any unity government.

“Netanyahu must put Israel’s best interest ahead of Netanyahu’s and make a move,” Gantz says. “I repeat my call to the prime minister to promise, with your own voice, to give up immunity, and do that today. If you give up immunity, we are partners for the beginning of negotiations.”