Israel election: Gantz vows to form 'broad' unity government within days

2020-03-16 16:07:40

Benny Gantz - the main political rival to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - has been given the chance to form a new coalition government in Israel. Mr Netanyahu's Likud party won more seats than Mr Gantz's Blue and White in the general election. But Mr Gantz was backed by a thin majority of lawmakers. The former military chief vowed to form "a national unity government, as broad as possible, within days". It comes as Israel confronts an outbreak of the coronavirus. Much of the country has been brought to a standstill in an effort to contain 250 cases. More than 50,000 people have been placed in isolation; schools and universities have been closed; and gatherings of more than 10 people have been banned. The opening of Mr Netanyahu's trial on corruption charges has also been delayed. The Palestinians have reported 39 cases of Covid-19 - the disease caused by the new virus - in the occupied West Bank.