ISRAEL ...

On top of support from Blue and White and a smaller centre-left alliance, Gantz was also recommended by the mainly Arab Joint List and the secular, nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party.

Aside from being anti Netanyahu, the Joint List and Yisrael Beiteinu have almost no common political ground.

Netanyahu’s alliance, seen as more cohesive, includes his right-wing Likud as well as its religious, nationalist ally Yemina and two ultra-Orthodox parties.

Both Netanyahu and Gantz have voiced support for an interim unity government to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

The premier had earlier on Sunday specifically proposed a six-month arrangement that he would lead.

“We must unite forces and form a strong and stable government that will be able to pass a budget and make tough decisions,” Netanyahu said.