Palestine president’s stance on Israel election results: 'Against Netanyahu'

Mahmoud Abbas voiced opposition to any new Israeli government led by Netanyahu, who has tied with his main rival in the general election.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab & agencies

19 September, 2019

The Palestinian President is firmly opposed to Netanyahu leading another Israeli government [Getty]

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Wednesday he would be against any new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections left him tied with his main challenger and raised the prospect of negotiations to build a unity government.

"Our position: against Netanyahu," Abbas said during a visit to Oslo when questioned over his preferences for a new Israeli government.

Despite this stance, Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said earlier on Wednesday said the Palestinians were prepared to engage in dialogue with any future Israeli leader.

"Whoever will be able to form a government, we are ready to sit with him or her in order to restart the negotiations," al-Maliki told reporters upon the news that Netanyahu had tied with main rival Benny Gantz.

Amid the chaos and deal-brokering following the election stalemate, Netanyahu offered Gantz to form a unity government on Thursday.

The admission was a major development following Israel's general election on Tuesday that has put Netanyahu's status as the country's longest-serving prime minister at risk.

"During the elections, I called for the establishment of a right-wing government," Netanyahu said.

"But unfortunately the election results show that this is not possible."

Gantz had not yet responded, but he has repeatedly called for a unity government.