Netanyahu’s foes open to wartime governing coalition

Jerusalem – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political opponents have criticised him for years and vowed never to join his governing coalition.

But two such foes – Mr Yair Lapid, the parliamentary opposition leader and Mr Benny Gantz, the leader of the National Unity party – said they would consider joining an emergency government led by the Premier after the

deadly attack on Saturday by Palestinian militants.

Both opposition leaders have repeatedly called for the end of Mr Netanyahu’s rule. But the national crisis prompted by the assault – and the expectation of a protracted, bloody campaign – may have changed their calculus.

On Saturday evening, Mr Netanyahu said he discussed establishing an emergency government during meetings with Mr Lapid and Mr Gantz.

Mr Netanyahu’s 64-seat coalition in Israel’s 120-member Parliament, is led by his right-wing Likud party but also has powerful nationalist and ultra-Orthodox wings.

Political analysts have deemed it the most conservative government in Israeli history, and it has led a highly controversial overhaul of Israel’s judiciary that resulted in months of protests.

Mr Lapid, whose Yesh Atid party commands 24 seats, has said he would be willing to join a government led by Mr Netanyahu if he ditched hardline partners like ultranationalist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

“I’m willing to put aside our arguments and form an emergency, narrow, professional government with him to manage the tough, complex and extended battle ahead of us,” Mr Lapid said he told Mr Netanyahu.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu knows that with the current extreme and dysfunctional security Cabinet, he can’t manage a war,” he added.

In a statement on Saturday evening, Mr Gantz – whose National Unity party has 12 seats in Parliament – said he would consider forming an emergency government with Mr Netanyahu that would “focus solely on security challenges” and allow his party to influence decision making. NYTIMES