Gantz heads his recently launched centrist Israel Resilience party, while Lapid leads Yesh Atid, which currently holds 11 of the 120 seats in parliament. Opinion polls have shown the two as the main challengers to Netanyahu, who has been expected to win despite corruption investigations into his affairs. Gantz has been the target of repeated barbs from the prime minister for being a "weak" leftist, which he had brushed off, drawing criticism that he lacked a fighting spirit. Former defense minister Moshe Yaalon had previously joined Israel Resilience and another former chief of staff, Gabi Ashkenazi, will also join the new alliance, their statements said. Netanyahu has been prime minister for around 13 years in all and currently leads what is seen as the most right-wing government in Israel's history.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 21, 2019 15:45 UTC