Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz were engaging in talks geared toward a joint coalition, Channel 12 News reported on Monday evening. The two allegedly plan to implement their plan after Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid's mandate from the president to form a government expires.
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Within the framework of their negotiations, the report said, Gantz would be prime minister first in a rotation with Netanyahu, who would be the foreign minister and alternate prime minister and still reside during that time at the official Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem.
Gantz currently serves as the country's defense minister.
The main obstacle in their way is the Justice portfolio. As of now, the two leaders have failed to reach a compromise on the matter.
The Prime Minister's Office said the Channel 12 News report was incorrect.
Gantz's Blue and White party echoed the sentiment, saying no such talks were taking place. "Gantz is focused on Israel's security and is committed" to the so-called "pro-change" bloc.
"Even if Netanyahu offers Gantz the moon, he won't join him," the statement said.
Blue and White said on its official Twitter page: "Even lies and obsessive spins that repeat themselves a thousand times won't become truth. Gantz has already been offered everything, including entering the Prime Minister's Residence tomorrow. Gantz committed and remains committed to the pro-change bloc. There are no discussions, no secret winks, no negotiations. There is a military campaign that Gantz is waging responsibly, this isn't the time for politics."
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