Gantz to Bennett: Netanyahu setting you up for ‘moral, political bankruptcy’

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz warns Yamina leader Naftali Bennett and Ra’am chief Mansour Abbas not to join a government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He says Netanyahu is setting up a “trap” for them.

Addressing Bennett, Gantz says: “Netanyahu is not negotiating with you — he wants to make you morally and political bankrupt. It’s not a negotiation over the creation of a government, it’s another fraud attempt.”

Gantz also announces he’ll oppose the direct vote for prime minister, a proposal that is being advocated by right-wing parties.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) and Defense Minister Benny Gantz face away from each other during the swearing in of the 24th Knesset (Knesset spokesperson’s office)

After the 2020 elections, Gantz and Netanyahu agreed to a power-sharing agreement that would see the Blue and White leader become prime minister in November 2021, but another election was called before the transfer of power.

Gantz broke with his centrist allies to join Netanyahu’s coalition in May 2020, despite campaign promises to the contrary. The power-sharing government did not last a year.