ISRAEL - Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he is ready to step down next year as part of a proposed power-sharing agreement with his chief rival Benny Gantz. The move is intended to steer the country through the coronavirus crisis and end a year-long political deadlock.
Mr Netanyahu made his proposal during a television interview, calling for the formation of a three-year 'emergency' unity government with the rival Blue and White Party. With the public largely confined to their homes, the economy appears to be in great danger, with tens of thousands of people losing their jobs.
Israel this month held its third inconclusive election in under a year. Mr Netanyahu's Likud emerged as the largest single party, but fell short of securing a required parliamentary majority.