Benjamin Netanyahu's grip on power continues to slip after the Israeli President asked opposition leader Benny Gantz to form a Government. Mr Gantz, a former Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defence Forces, sneaked ahead of political rival Prime Minister Netanyahu in elections this month. He has been tapped by President Reuven Rivlin to build a coalition after a year of political stalemate, following three abortive legislative elections. Although there is no guarantee that Mr Gantz will oust his rival on this occasion, commentators believe the development is a major blow for Mr Netanyahu. Mr Netanyahu is accused of receiving improper gifts and offering a media mogul lucrative regulatory changes in exchange for favourable coverage.

Source: Daily Mail March 16, 2020 01:29 UTC