Gantz to PM: I won’t be your accomplice in ‘economic crimes’ against Israelis

Speaking in the Knesset plenum, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz implores Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pass a state budget, which is due by December.

Netanyahu is widely believed to be stalling on the budget in order to call snap elections and avoid a handover of power to Gantz next year.

“The citizens of Israel are looking at us [expectantly]. They are looking for a government that will make peace at home, a functioning government that will serve them during the most difficult crisis we’ve faced in decades,” says Gantz.

“You know very well that I extended my hand to you despite many difficulties. I did this to fight the coronavirus and prevent the dangers of a civil war. I joined as a partner [in the government] for the sake of the lives, health and livelihoods of Israelis — not as an accomplice in an economic and social crime against them.

“You and I know well that the treasury has a nearly completed budget ready for 2021 and I won’t allow you to prevent it [from being passed],” adds Gantz.

He says time is running out on the budget. “It’s in your hands whether to prevent the economic and social disaster and to do the right thing for the citizens of Israel.”