Gantz and Netanyahu granted extra time for unity government talks

Israel’s president Reuven Rivlin has granted the country’s two main political leaders extra time to try and form a unity government after 18 months of deadlock.

Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz jointly asked for the 48-hour extension to the mandate to form a coalition, giving them until the end of Wednesday to strike a deal.

It came after Mr Gantz said in a televised appeal to Mr Netanyahu on Monday night: “This is our moment of truth, it’s either an emergency national unity government or a redundant fourth election.”

A statement from Mr Rivlin said he “made this decision after also speaking to Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu”, but added Mr Netanyahu did not confirm he is close to signing an agreement that would lead to a unity government.