Gantz: one million unemployed don't care about annexation

After weeks of internal policy disputes between Israel's 2 major parties, Gantz asks to shift government's focus to handling coronavirus and financial crises, push sovereignty question to later time
Attila Somfalvi, Moran Azulay|
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Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Monday spoke about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's push to extend Israeli sovereignty over Jewish settlements in the West Bank and the strategic Jordan Valley after the two leaders appeared to feud Monday about the timing of the plan's execution.
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    • "This is the time to tackle the issue. I believe that the Trump peace plan is the right political-security framework for the State of Israel," Gantz told the Ynet studio in an interview. "We must do it right by bringing in as many partners to the discussion as possible with international backing. One million unemployed people do not know what we are talking about right now. Most of them are worried about what they're going to do tomorrow morning."
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    בני גנץ באולפן ynet    בני גנץ באולפן ynet
    Defense Minister Benny Gantz
    (Photo: Avi Moalem)
    According to sources within Gantz' Blue & White party, the centrist leader told U.S. President Donald Trump's adviser, Avi Berkowitz, during a meeting on Monday the July 1 deadline for official debate on annexation is not set in stone, with coronavirus taking the national priority.
    Netanyahu appeared to dismiss Gantz’ concerns, telling members of his Likud party that he was working “discretely” with the Americans. “The issue does not depend on Blue and White,” he said.
    The premier doubled down on his comments in the opening of his Tuesday meeting with U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook, saying that, "We have serious issues to discuss, so serious that we can't hold it until after coronavirus."
    After weeks of internal policy disputes between Israel's two major parties, Likud and Blue & White, the former IDF chief also said that the option of a major political event that could lead to the dissolution of the government is ever-present.
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    ישיבת ממשלה    ישיבת ממשלה
    Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
    (Photo: Oilivia Fitusi)
    "There's potential for a major political event that could dissolve the government every day, I think that Israel needs a stable government," said Gantz.
    "We tried to form a minimalist government, but Likud had to give up assets for the first time after a decade. In the end, the government grew in the number of ministers but not in the number of institutions. A unity government costs more but is worth much more and we should not underestimate the government's ability to function in such a reality."
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    4.
    gantz never cared about annexation
    gantz likely favors 67 borders with minor adjustments while granting a plo state with Jordan valley and e. Jerusalem. he kept this mostly quiet during the campaign. Israelis do not support his views. he essentially is following the ehud olmert model of earth shattering concessions. he is putting Israel in a dangerous position. I invite Israelis to reread shapira report on his abysmal performance in the gaza war. he and his party need to be tossed out of govt. for bibi to foist gantz onto Israel as pm knowing his views means that bibi only cares about his own legal position, the state be damned. he will rot in prison for this.
    beryl| 06.30.20
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    Voting right for 2.5 million anti semites not a major issue?
    Annexation will undermine the democratic jewish state. Are you suggesting that the haredi community takes power?
    daniel972| 07.01.20
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    3.
    Gantz is doing the right thing for Israel!!!
    I have a lot of respect for Gantz whose main concern is the safety peace and well-being of Israel. Gantz is very balanced and care for the people, he does not rush to do things that can complicated the peace process and the relationships of Israel with other nations. He knows the priorities and is very different then Netanyahu because Gantz wants what is better for Israel while Netanyahu's main concern is what is better for him personally! There should be no doubt about the purity of intentions and actions of Gantz. Gantz is a true leader who is conscientious and balanced. Anyone who doubts Gantz ability to multitask and lead has no idea at all!!! Gantz was the chief of staff of the Israeli army and was honored as one of the best leaders that IDF has ever had! I have a lot of respect for Gantz and his desire to heal Israel by making the necessary changes from within the government!
    Joe H| 06.30.20
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