Gantz would betray public's trust with minority government
Opinion: Likud and Blue and White owe it to Israeli voter to reach a consensus in order to avoid a third election and most of all, avoid a coalition reliant on the MKs from the Arab-dominated Joint List, who might leave the newly formed government in disarray in case of a security crisis
If Gantz also fails, we will be subjected to a third, unnecessary and wasteful round of elections, continued paralysis of government authorities and the deepening of the divide of various sectors in Israeli society. But, worst of all, we might end up with the same outcome - a deadlock that would require either a national unity government or an unprecedented fourth round of elections.
It's in the Gantz's interests not to form a narrow government, and especially not a minority government. Not even as a tactical move.
A minority government can only exist with the support of the predominately Arab Joint List political alliance. This support, however, is not trustworthy and goes against Israel's national interest.
Israel faces a dire security situation and has challenges imposed on the country by its bitter enemies on multiple fronts.
We can imagine a very realistic scenario, in which one week after the unity government is formed, Hamas would decide confront Israel with massive rocket fire, targeting Israeli communities near the Gaza border.
Every potential action taken by Israel in retaliation will be described by the Joint List as an "act of aggression by the occupation", leading to the dissolvement of the government.
Israel will slip into another political turmoil amid a security crisis, and the Israeli public will punish whoever established such a government in the harshest way.
Even an idle move such as pretend negotiations on forming such a government will besmirch Blue and White's image.
A coalition supported by the Joint List would constitute a breach of Blue and White voters' trust. Not only because Gantz made it clear during the election campaign that he will never form a coalition with anti-Zionist parties, but first and foremost, because Blue and White's identity is right there in its name.
Blue and White – the colors of the Israeli flag and Zionism - a clear statement that everyone who voted for the party is well aware of.
A narrow government with the ultra-Orthodox, Yisrael Beytenu and Labor-Gesher is a worthy government indeed, but Yisrael Beytenu's leader Avigdor Liberman opposes a coalition that would have to rely on the ultra-Orthodox parties. So, the chances of such a coalition being established are slim.
The only other realistic option is a national unity government constituting of Blue and White and the ruling Likud.
Gantz must invite Netanyahu to direct negotiations, without preconditions, for the establishment of a unity government. Without spins or any other political tricks.
The negotiations must open with a joint declaration accepting all parties to the coalition talks, as long as they are willing to oblige by the guidelines set by the two biggest parties in parliament.
A national unity government should preferably be led by Gantz for the first two years, freeing Netanyahu to deal with his legal issues.
If Netanyahu is acquitted, he will replace Gantz in two years' time. If not, Likud will elect a different leader who will replace Gantz as prime minister. It's as simple as that.
We should not outright reject President Reuven Rivlin's proposal that Netanyahu could serve as prime minister in a rotation government with Blue and White as long as he was not indicted for any or all of the three corruption cases pending against him.
Although it is constitutionally and practically problematic, it ensures that a person indicted for corruption will not serve as prime minister.
Such an outline would require a clear coalition agreement to thwart in advance any trick Netanyahu might try to pull.
Blue and White and Likud will have to make concessions because preventing another election should be their top priority.
