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As we approach a final ballot count, Gantz seems to widen a slight lead over Netanyahu. So what does The Master do? (He takes charge, like he did in April.) 
In a video filmed at his official residence, Netanyahu calls on Gantz to meet-- even today!-- to form a national union government under his leadership.
Netanyahu is so fearful he could lose support from right-wing allies that he had them sign a document of fealty– I kid you not– in which they affirm he is their only leader.
Hard to know how these parties' members feel about their party leaders relinquishing power, but for Netanyahu this is a little like putting on stilts: a way of appearing larger than he is, and of intimidating Gantz into forgetting he heads the largest party.
A ceremony marking the 3rd anniversary of Shimon Peres' death is underway right now. President Rivlin prodded Netanyahu & Gantz to shake hands, but Netanyahu plans to use the memorial to "address the political developments."
The Rivlin Sandwich ahem Gantz & Netanyahu shaking hands.
In an extraordinary turn, Jason Greenblatt, Trump's outgoing envoy, is arriving in Israel today to meet (separately) with Netanyahu & Gantz to discuss the administration's long-anticipated but never before seen peace plan.
Remember, there is no official vote count. Why is @jdgreenblatt45 rushing a visit during a day of political drama in Israel? What can he possibly gain?
At Peres event, Netanyahu now calls on Gantz to "join forces, establish a wife national government" suggesting a rotation agreement. The pressure on Gantz to capitulate will be extraordinary.
🔴Netanyahu knows the deal would kill Gantz, whose #1 campaign promise was NOT to join Bibi while he's a criminal suspect. Thing is, it could also kill Bibi: Gantz could accept Likud deal on the condition Netanyahu resigns.
.@IDIisrael president Yohanan Plesner foresees this possibility in my @thedailybeast item today. "A new chairman of the Likud might be able to form a government with Blue & White..." He also says "we are about to enter a period of political uncertainty." thedailybeast.com/benjamin-netan…
Me? I am reminded of the Fable of the Frog and the Scorpion 🐸🦂
🔴Look at what Netanyahu has done: Within an hour of securing the fealty of all right-wing parties, he *breaks the very oath he just signed* by turning to Gantz for a coalition dealvthat would screw the right. I mean, wow.
Really, look at this.
Netanyahu's spox are distributing these images as if he just successfully negotiated Camp David. I have to say Israeli outlets (the enemies of the state) are doing their part to help Netanyahu by distributing them without noting the absurdity of the situation.
But not the serious analysts. @ynetnews' @moran_ynet is calling it "Netanyahu's Unity Bluff." ynet.co.il/articles/0,734…
For now, Gantz party members are holding steady, scoffing at the possibility they'd break the NoNetanyahu promise. "Its media buzz. We're waiting for the true vote count and then we'll embark on negotiations for a unity government."
Blue&White party sources tell @yanircozin Netanyahu is aiming for new elections "because he knows we won't let him be prime minister" but ten minutes later say "we want unity. If a rotation, then Netanyahu goes second." If Gantz goes accepts, it would break his pact with Lapid.
