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COVID 19 Concerns Were Behind Israel Power-Sharing Deal

Linda Gradstein

   JERUSALEM - After three elections and more than a year, Israel has a
   new unity government in an emergency power-sharing deal reached this
   week between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Benny
   Gantz. But there is concern the new leadership may not be able govern
   because of internal differences.

   The deal came after polls showed Israelis wanted a unity government, a
   sentiment analysts say largely reflects public worry over the
   coronavirus emergency.

   Before the deal, former army chief of staff Benny Gantz repeatedly said
   he would never join a government headed by Netanyahu, who is set to go
   on trial in three separate cases. Gantz then changed his mind.

   In remarks on Israeli television, Gantz says that it is more important
   to fight the coronavirus than to win in politics. He said that he chose
   to preserve democracy and to join Netanyahu in the emergency situation
   that Israel is now facing. Israel has kept most of the population home
   for more than a month and by April 22nd had nearly 200 deaths, with
   more than 14,000 confirmed cases.

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