With talks towards a coalition government between Blue & White and Likud hitting an impasse, the number two man on the Blue & White list, MK Yair Lapid, has announced he is willing to forgo a promise to rotate as prime minister as part of a coalition agreement in the interest of advancing talks. Lapid made the startling announcement during a faction meeting in Knesset on Thursday afternoon, explaining to his colleagues that he is willing to push aside the rotation for the premiership between him and party leader Benny Gantz.

“A person (Netanyahu) with the criminal indictments stands between us and a coalition government” he exclaimed, adding, “The nations needs a coalition government headed by Blue & White”.

Negotiating teams from both parties met this week but the meeting ended without progress, amid the realization Blue & White will not work with Likud for as long as PM Netanyahu stands at the helm of the party. MK Benny Gantz, who chairs the Blue & White party, has stated in his campaign that while he is willing to joining a Likud coalition, this would entail another person heading the party for PM Netanyahu is under investigation for corruption and is likely to face criminal indictments.

Perhaps in another move that will result in Gantz changing his mind, Netanyahu has now indicated he would declare himself “incapacitated” and stand down if and when he is actually indicted.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)