Israel election: Netanyahu rival Gantz ‘agrees emergency unity government’
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-52057177
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main rival has reportedly agreed to join a unity government, ending a year of political deadlock.
Benny Gantz's surprise election as speaker of parliament on Thursday paved the way for the deal.
He will stay in the role until he is named foreign minister, Israeli media report, and will then take over the premiership in September 2021.
Mr Gantz had refused to serve under Mr Netanyahu because he is facing trial.
Mr Netanyahu’s Likud party won the most seats in this month’s general election - the third in less than a year - but more lawmakers recommended that Mr Gantz be given the mandate to form a government.
The rivals were subsequently urged to put politics aside to fight the new coronavirus pandemic, which has infected 2,600 people in Israel and claimed eight lives.
The Israeli leader was formally charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in January.