With Gantz on patio and Netanyahu quarantined inside, progress reported toward unity government

Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz met earlier today to advance negotiations for the establishment of a national emergency government, a joint statement from their offices says.

The conversation was described as a “positive” one during which “understandings and progress were achieved,” the statement says.

The two instructed their negotiating teams to try and bring about a coalition agreement between Blue and White and Likud as soon as possible, the statement adds.

The meeting was held in accordance with the Health Ministry’s coronavirus guidelines, a spokesman for Netanyahu says.

Channel 13 explains what that meant: It reports that Gantz sat on the patio of the prime minister’s residence and Netanyahu, who is in quarantine, was inside. “The conversation featured raised voices,” it reports, but of necessity rather than in anger. “There was a good atmosphere” with some “breakthroughs” on core issues of dispute.

The TV report quotes some sources optimistically suggesting that an agreement could be signed as soon as Saturday night.