It's another day of political squabbling in Israel, with a solution seemingly out of reach. While Blue and White leader Benny Gantz seems willing to compromise, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is standing his ground.
"The worst option of all is a government that is dependent on Arab parties who will want to judge IDF soldiers as war criminals," Netanyahu told Israel Hayom on Monday.
He also maintained that "there's no reason to reach a situation where we either assemble this kind of government or go to elections. There is still the option of creating a patriotic and robust unity government."
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Netanyahu's remarks came on the heels of Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman's statement on Saturday where he said he would support the candidate in favor of a unity government.
On the Right, it is believed such a statement indicates that Lieberman will support a Left-wing government and will use this as an excuse for abandoning a right-wing coalition.
In the next few days, Netanyahu, Lieberman, Gantz, and President Reuven Rivlin are all expected to meet in order to figure out a way to break this political impasse.
The first meeting between Liberman and Gantz was scheduled to happen on Tuesday but was canceled due to the developing security situation.
"Lieberman approached me and asked to meet in order to develop a proposal that would outline a framework for a unity government," Gantz said on Monday. "We agreed to meet and we're prepared to consider certain compromises as long as they coincide with our ideology and what is in the best interest for the State of Israel."
Gantz reiterated his stance that he will do everything in his power to avoid a third election.
"We'll do everything to create a wide and liberal unity government. In the last week, we've made progress in negotiations. We agreed with Israel Beytenu to raise the minimum income for the elderly by 70% above the minimum wage and to boost pensions for those with disabilities. These agreements are all in addition to advancing matters of religion and state."
Either way, Gantz called on Netanyahu to restart talks between the two parties.
"For nearly a month, you refused to discuss key issues that trouble Israeli citizens," he said. "Send in your negotiating partners, and let's finally resume direct and genuine talks between Likud and Blue and White. This is the order of the day. Let's talk about what interests Israeli citizens, not just want interests you. The people of Israel will never forgive us if we don't do this."
Israel Hayom also learned that Shas leader Aryeh Deri and United Torah Judaism head Yakov Litzman would be interested in a rotation agreement if a unity government is established, and vowed to leave their posts if Netanyahu doesn't agree. Sources close to Litzman confirmed this development, while Deri refused to comment.
As for Lieberman, he also expressed a similar sentiment during his faction meeting on Monday. "Netanyahu and Gantz must show responsibility and form a unity government," he said, calling out the two candidates. "If you're at a standstill, flip a coin for all I care. There's no bigger disaster than a third election."
Those in the Likud reacted by saying there are actually bigger problems ahead. "There's a bigger disaster, and it's a minority government with Arab parties. One government must be established - a broad, national unity government," senior Likud officials said. "There is another government that should not be established and that is one that is dependent on Arab parties."
Likud demanded Blue and White walk away from the "crazy idea of forming a minority government that depends on members of the Joint List, who are supporters of terrorism and don't recognize the State of Israel."
