This is the moment of truth, we must get this done, Gantz tells Netanyahu

Gantz says that a transitional government, which Israel has had for over a year, cannot deal with the challenges that the coronavirus crisis presents.

“A transitional government cannot provide the path forward for a million unemployed people. It cannot bring this country together,” he says.

If a war had broken out, forcing thousands of families to hunker at home, he says, “nobody would ask if it was necessary to set up an emergency government,” he says. “We are in a war — a tough war. The death toll is rising.”

He adds: “Let nobody preach to me … for choosing the citizens of the state over personal interests.”

“For 3 weeks, we’ve been negotiating with clean hands,” he says. “We’ve made compromises… We’ve done everything we can to serve the citizens and prevent fourth elections.”

“Netanyahu and Likud know we are fair-minded partners,” he says. “They also know there are some issues we cannot compromise over” — and first of all “the rule of law and the protection of democracy.”

Addressing the prime minister directly, Gantz urges him to accept Blue and White’s coalition demands, which he says were agreed upon by both sides last week.

“A fair agreement was reached a few days ago… a fair division of the burden [that] put the good of the state ahead of all of our personal interests,” he says. “My hands are clean. We reached agreements. I hope we will realize them for the benefit of the people of Israel. There is no other way.”

“Netanyahu, we have come to the moment of truth. The people of Israel expect us to put aside our differences and work together for them,” he says.

“History will not forgive us if we don’t get this done,” Gantz concludes.