Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Israel Prepares for Bipartisan Leadership

Linda Gradstein

   JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON - After a week of political gridlock, and one
   politically-charged year, Israel appears to have avoided its third
   election now that President Reuvin Rivlin has announced both sides have
   taken significant steps toward forming a unity government.

   Rivlin's role is largely ceremonial, but he has been thrust into the
   spotlight to choose which contender will first get to form a
   government. He has fiercely advocated for a unity government between
   Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White party and Benjamin Netanyahu's
   right-wing Likud. And last night, he just might have succeeded in
   letting the two leaders work it out for themselves.

   In order to form a government, a party must win at least 61 seats to
   get a majority. Typically, as there are numerous parties, Israel has a
   coalition government. However, neither Gantz nor Netanyahu have been
   able to cobble enough parties together.

   This election has been centered on two hot button issues: security, and
   the divide between religion and the state.

.