Political deadlock in Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu running out of options
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Pressure has been mounting on Israel's longest-serving PM after he was indicted on a series of charges including bribery.
Faced by a political deadlock and indictment on corruption charges, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to be running out of options.
Netanyahu who has refused to step down has agreed to elections for the leadership of his Likud party.
Israeli media reported the Likud primary would be held in six weeks. A party spokesman was not reachable to confirm the timeline.
Netanyahu is the current chair of his party.
Pressure has been mounting on Israel's longest-serving PM after he was indicted on a series of charges including bribery.
While Netanyahu has vowed to fight against the charges, some in his party feel that he has been denting the image of Likud.
Netanyahu's position in the party will likely be challenged.
Israel's Supreme Court dismissed a petition by a watchdog group to force Netanyahu to step aside.
But a more pressing issue is the government formation or else Israel will head to its third general election in less than a year.
Netanyahu's rival Benny Gantz has proposed the formation of a unity govt in which Gantz will serve as the Prime Minister for 2 years & Netanyahu will become the Prime Minister for the remaining 2 years of the government. This of course, if Netanyahu is not forced to take a leave of absence.
Gantz's offer will end in 17 days after which a third election is inevitable. However, Netanyahu has so far shown little interest in the former army chief's offer.