Netanyahu's Offer To Benny Gantz Rejected

Desperate to hold on to power, Israel's right-wing Prime Minister Bibi "Bomb Bomb" Netanyahu offered to form a "national unity" government with Blue and White Party leader former Gen. Benny Gantz.  Gantz rejected Netanyahu's proposal earlier today, setting up serious horse-trading among Israel's multi-party electorate. The right-wing Likud won 31 seats in Tuesday's election, while the centrist Blue and White won 33, with 61 seats needed to form a government.

There's an underlying reason why Bibi Bomb Bomb is trying to cling to his position, beyond hunger for power:

"While the struggle to form coalition governments has long been a feature of Israel’s fractious politics, it has been further complicated by the presence of the deeply polarising figure of Netanyahu.

In two weeks’ time he will face pre-trial hearings for three corruption cases against him. A majority in the 120-seat parliament could help grant the 69-year-old – who denies any wrongdoing – immunity from prosecution."  (our emphasis)

Much like his close ally, demagogue and bigot Donald "Individual 1" Trump, Netanyahu faces the real possibility of prison when he leaves office. That's a powerful motivator, and it's good that Gantz rejected him.