Gantz rejects Netanyahu's outline for unity government

Kahol Lavan Chairman Benny Gantz rejected an outline for establishing a broad national unity government published yesterday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The outline, which Netanyahu presented to Gantz by phone, is based on the guidelines set forward by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin for establishing a unity government, but ignores Kahol Lavan's demand to break up the right-wing bloc as a precondition to coalition talks. The plan also makes no mention of a rotation of the premiership or an arrangement for such a rotation.

Gantz said it was "impossible not to refuse" such a proposal. "We'll wait to receive the president's offer to form the government and then we'll begin serious negotiations to establish a liberal unity government," Haaretz cited him as saying.

Netanyahu has less than a week left until the 28-day period to form a government expires. After the period expires, President Rivlin can allow Netanyahu a two week extension, or transfer the mandate to Gantz.