Benny Gantz: We are looking for every way to reach a unity government

Gantz spoke during a visit to the Western Galilee in northern Israel to review the security situation, during which he met with local municipality leaders.

By ALEX WINSTON
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz addresses the media in the Western Galilee, November 27, 2011 (photo credit: ELAD MALKA)
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz addresses the media in the Western Galilee, November 27, 2011
(photo credit: ELAD MALKA)
Blue and White Chairman MK Benny Gantz said on Wednesday that the State of Israel needs to engage in itself and less in its leaders, and sent out a threat to external enemies, as he attempts to still reach a deal to become prime minister.
Gantz spoke during a visit to the Western Galilee in northern Israel to review the security situation, during which he met with local municipality leaders. On the security issue, Gantz said that, "these days, we are transferring money to Hamas in suitcases. Deterrence must be strengthened in the South and in the North, which has a deceptive silence.
"On the other side, Hezbollah is established through its Iranian emissaries," Gantz continued. "I suggest to Hezbollah and our other enemies not to try either the IDF or the State of Israel, because any harm to us will come with the power they have not yet seen. Israel is the strongest country in the region. "
Responding to a question about Defense Minister Naftali Bennett's newest policy of not returning the bodies of terrorists to their families, Gantz said that, "This is a step in the right direction, but such decisions should be made in the cabinet rather than in the media. We have prisoners and missing people on the other side, and everything needs to be done and every effort made to bring them home."
Gantz was also asked about the situation regarding the settlements, responding that, "There is an important need to strengthen the settlements that are here and to address the issue of protection.
"This is one of the reasons why we try to concentrate on establishing a government: so that we can deal with the affairs of the state and not the affairs of the head of state or the prime minister. We are looking for every way to reach a unity government – I am personally dealing with that."
Gantz failed to form a government under his mandate, which ran out last week. When asked about the feasibility of assembling a new government, he answered that, "Netanyahu failed to form a government – and the public chose a unity government in which the Blue and White faction should lead.
"Netanyahu faces a heavy legal challenge. And so we do not rule out Netanyahu the man but the accused Netanyahu," Gantz stated. "The Likud should join a unity government. I hope Netanyahu is eligible and can come back in two years."