Now there's a contest: Gantz and Lapid unite against Netanyahu

Published: 22 February 2019

Last updated: 4 March 2024

Under the joint ticket, which will be named 'Blue and White', Gantz will be prime minister for two and a half years before handing over reins to Lapid, who would serve as foreign minister during that period

After a decade of Netanyahu, Israel finally has a real election contest (Times of Israel)
In uniting, Gantz and Lapid have potentially upended years of political predictability. With their move, for the first time in years, the prime minister has a fight on his hands

Political bombshell as Gantz, Lapid join forces to replace Netanyahu (Haaretz)
Joint slate will be named 'Blue and White.' Gantz will be prime minister for two and a half years before handing over reins to Lapid, who would serve as FM; ex- IDF chief Gabi Ashkenazi joins unified roster; Likud blasts union: 'It's either their left-wing gov't or us'

Polls give new Gantz-Lapid faction meaningful lead over Netanyahu’s Likud (Times of Israel)
But TV surveys indicate Blue and White would struggle to form a governing coalition, despite emerging from elections as largest party

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Ex-general says security for Israel means separating from the Palestinians (Haaretz)
Tal Russo, former IDF general, says he grew up on Labor values, including 'security first, then a hand outstretched for peace'; Labor chair Gabbay says Likud is morally corrupt

Livni's final act of decency (Ynet)
After 20 years, the former justice and foreign minister who came within reach of the PM’s office said goodbye to politics; her tears were not only for herself, but for the Israeli condition

Cartoon: Avi Katz