Netanyahu challenges Liberman to join government

Yisrael Beytenu revealed on Wednesday that the party supports forming a technocratic government to prevent a third round of elections.

By GIL HOFFMAN
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, Yisrael Beteynu chairman Avigdor Liberman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (photo credit: REUTERS)
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, Yisrael Beteynu chairman Avigdor Liberman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called upon Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman on Wednesday to enter a unity government and prevent a third election in under a year.
"Liberman could make a government with us and that is his decision," Netanyahu said as he left for Lisbon. "The country requires a unity government and not unnecessary elections, but if we will be stuck with elections, we will win them."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara speak to the press before boarding the plane to Lisbon (Credit: Kobi Gideon/GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara speak to the press before boarding the plane to Lisbon (Credit: Kobi Gideon/GPO)
Netanyahu reiterated that he will back the formation of a unity government and blamed the current stalemate on Blue and White, claiming they "have not moved a millimeter."
Netanyahu blamed the lack of progress on Blue and White number 2 Yair Lapid "if this doesn't work we will prepare for elections and win them, but I'm making every effort, so we could still find a possibility of a unity government," he said. "I'm open for talks with anyone and meeting with anyone to help this bear fruit."
On a visit to the Ramat Hanegev Regional Council, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz defended Lapid, saying "Netanyahu does not need to look for people to blame, I make the decisions in Blue and White after consulting with my colleagues. He needs to look at the citizens of Israel in the eyes and tell them what he thinks and wants instead of deflecting the blame from himself. No prime minister has ever placed himself before the state of Israel as he does."
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz on a visit to the Ramat Hanegev Regional Council (Credit: Elad Malka)
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz on a visit to the Ramat Hanegev Regional Council (Credit: Elad Malka)
Meanwhile, Yisrael Beytenu revealed on Wednesday that the party supports forming a technocratic government to prevent a third round of elections. The government would consist of 11 professional ministers under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The temporary government would not have to consult the Knesset on budget issues and would serve for approximately one year.