Israel's Netanyahu presents unity gov't to Knesset

JERUSALEM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday presented his unity government to Knesset (Israel's parliament), ending more than a year of political deadlock.

"We decided to form a unity government and avoid a fourth election that would have caused divisiveness and would have wasted NIS 2 billion," Netanyahu told the Knesset.

"The public wanted a unity government and will receive one," he said, presenting a list of 19 ministers on his new government.

Israel faced a political crisis since April 2019, when elections failed to produce a governing coalition. Three subsequent elections were also inconclusive.

Last month, Netanyahu and rival-turned-partner Benny Gantz of Blue and White party announced that they would be putting their differences aside and form a unity government.

Under the deal, Gantz would take over from Netanyahu as prime minister on Nov. 17, 2021.

JERUSALEM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday presented his unity government to Knesset (Israel's parliament), ending more than a year of political deadlock.

"We decided to form a unity government and avoid a fourth election that would have caused divisiveness and would have wasted NIS 2 billion," Netanyahu told the Knesset.

"The public wanted a unity government and will receive one," he said, presenting a list of 19 ministers on his new government.

Israel faced a political crisis since April 2019, when elections failed to produce a governing coalition. Three subsequent elections were also inconclusive.

Last month, Netanyahu and rival-turned-partner Benny Gantz of Blue and White party announced that they would be putting their differences aside and form a unity government.

Under the deal, Gantz would take over from Netanyahu as prime minister on Nov. 17, 2021.