Alternate Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Benny Gantz declared that the newly-inducted government “will move forward responsibly and intelligently – the only way to bring about historic achievements strengthening Israel’s security in years to come.”
According to a statement sent to TV7 from the former IDF Chief of Staff’s political faction, Lt.-Gen. (res.) Gantz told a meeting of his Blue and White Members of Knesset (MKs) that, “In addition to these commitments, we are currently presented with meaningful windows of opportunity that could improve and even transform the reality in the region across all fronts, including, of course, the American government’s Peace Plan. Over the coming weeks, we will thoroughly look into suitable ways of action, with Foreign Minister, Gabi Ashkenazi, and the MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), in order to ensure the best outcome that will fortify Israel’s security and protect our state and international interests.”
Going on to address strategies to revive Israel’s economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Gantz said “We are now just at the outset of a new path and we can already see results emerging from the establishment of this government: an outline for the opening of cultural institutions and tourist sites, support for recipients of deducted stipends and support for the self-employed.”
He concluded his remarks with a veiled reference to the 24 May opening of the corruption trial of his political partner, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli public has been divided by Netanyahu’s indictment on bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges; marked by the holding of multiple opposing demonstrations by both his supporters and critics.
“Much has been said this week about the legal system,” said Gantz, adding that, “just as the State of Israel requires a functioning government, it also requires a strong and independent legal system.” He went on to stress that, “Protecting the rule of law is not a personal matter, it’s a national interest. The rule of law and equality before the law are superior values in a democracy.”