Foreign
Israel’s Netanyahu, Gantz present unity govt, hail crisis’ end
Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and his former rival Benny Gantz hailed the end of an unprecedented one-and-a-half-year political crisis on Sunday 17th May, 2020 as they presented their long-awaited unity government. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
“This is an important day for the state of Israel,” Netanyahu told the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, hours before he would be sworn in and start a fourth consecutive term in office, and one week before his corruption trial is set to start in a Jerusalem court.
On May 7, Israel’s top court rejected petitions against the indicted premier starting a fifth term in office, removing the final obstacle for the unity government and cementing the 70-year-old’s reputation as a political wizard, who survives against all odds.
“The time has come to extend the Israeli law over (Israel’s) settlements (in the occupied West Bank) and to start a new chapter in the history of Zionism,” Netanyahu said, a step that would bring peace with the Palestinians “closer” and be carried out with the approval of the U.S.
Former military chief Gantz justified his “difficult decision” to break his vow never to serve with the indicted Netanyahu, saying the choice had been “either unity, or kind of civil war”.
The two men were greeted by loud heckling by opposition lawmakers, one of whom was ushered out of the Knesset by security.
The festive parliament session – delayed twice in the past week – followed three inconclusive elections in a year.
The last of those was on March 2 – after which neither right-wing Likud party leader Netanyahu, nor centrist Blue and White alliance leader Gantz had proved able to muster a majority for a governing coalition.
Gantz broke his long-time vow never to serve with the indicted Netanyahu.
He said Israel needed a stable government to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout and could not afford a fourth election.
Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history – will share the premiership on a rotating basis with Gantz.
Netanyahu will be the first to head the biggest government in Israel’s history for a period of 18 months.
He told parliament that Gantz would replace him on Nov. 17, 2021.
While Netanyahu is premier, Gantz is to serve as “alternate prime minister” – a new, specially created title – and defence minister.
Netanyahu met members of his Likud almost up until the start of the Knesset session, completing the distribution of portfolios only shortly before.
His trial on charges of corruption is set to begin on Sunday, May 24. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Incoming opposition leader Yair Lapid slammed the unprecedented size – at least 34, and up to 36 ministers – of the government as wasteful, as more than a quarter of Israel’s working population had filed for unemployment benefits amid the coronavirus lockdown.
“You can place one minister next to the bed of each coronavirus patient,” he said cynically.
Credit: dpa/NAN
Author Profile
Latest entries
Education
Nigeria-born, Dr Kennedy Obohwemu Wins GBS Most Inspirational Lecturer Award In UK
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
A Nigeria-born UK Lecturer, Dr. Kennedy O. Obohwemu, has won the prestigious Most Inspirational Lecturer Award at the Global Banking School (GBS) Regional Awards in Birmingham, UK.
adsbygoogle || []).push({});
GBS is a multi-award-winning higher education provider, operates several campuses across the UK and collaborates with multiple UK universities to offer vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs.
In a dazzling award ceremony held in Birmingham on June 26, Dr. Obohwemu, a multiple award-winning international author, triumphed over a competitive field of nominees from numerous academic institutions within the region.
The award ceremony celebrated the outstanding contributions of lecturers who inspire and impact students across these diverse institutions.
This prestigious accolade recognizes exceptional teaching talent across university campuses in all regions of the West Midlands
The nominations came from all partnerships of GBS, including esteemed institutions such as Oxford Brookes University (OBU), Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), Suffolk University, Leeds Trinity University (LTU), Bath Spa University (BSU), and Pearson, among others.
Remarkably, Dr. Obohwemu, a Lecturer in Health and Social Care, joined GBS barely six months ago, making this win even more noteworthy.
His achievement demonstrates his passion and commitment to delivering high-quality teaching and inspiring others along the way.
It also highlights the profound impact he has made in a short time, earning the admiration and love of his students for his engaging teaching style and warm personality.
Dr. Obohwemu’s recognition as the Most Inspirational Lecturer underscores his dedication to educational excellence and his profound influence on the academic and personal development of his students.
His achievement highlights the remarkable quality of teaching at GBS and its partner universities, setting a benchmark for educational inspiration and leadership in the region.
In his remarks, Prof. Ray Lloyd, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GBS, said the award was not just the celebration of remarkable achievements of the educators, but also the profound impact they have on students and the broader academic community.
“Our award winners have shown extraordinary dedication, passion, and innovative teaching methods.
“Dr. Obohwemu, winner of the Most Inspirational Lecturer Award, has already made an indelible mark on our institution.
“His ability to connect with students and inspire them to reach their full potential is truly exceptional.
“We are incredibly proud to have him as part of the GBS family and look forward to seeing his continued positive influence on our academic community,” Lloyd said.
Reacting to the award, Obohwemu, said he was deeply honored and humbled to receive the Most Inspirational Lecturer Award.
Dr Obohwemu, who is also the Founder/CEO of PENKUP International, said the recognition was a testament to the incredible support he received from colleagues and the unwavering enthusiasm of his students.
He added: “Joining GBS just six months ago, I have been inspired by the commitment to excellence and the vibrant learning environment here.
“This award reinforces my belief in the transformative power of education and motivates me to continue striving for excellence in teaching.
“I dedicate this award to all my students whose curiosity and passion for learning drive me every day”.
Author Profile
Latest entries
Foreign
Niger Coup: EU Suspends Budget Support, Security Cooperation
The European Union (EU) says it has suspended its financial support and cooperation on security with Niger with immediate effect following the military coup in the country. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
This was disclosed in a statement by the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
The coup leaders declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as head of state on Friday, ousting President Mohamed Bazoum.
The EU, the United States, and other countries have called for the unconditional release of Bazoum from detention and the restoration of democratic order in the country.
“In addition to the immediate cessation of budget support, all cooperation actions in the domain of security are suspended indefinitely with immediate effect,” Borrell said.
Niger is a major recipient of Western aid and a key partner of the European Union in helping contain irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa.
The EU also has a small number of troops in Niger for a military training mission.
According to its website, the European bloc has allocated 503 million euros ($554 million) from its budget in the areas of governance, education and sustainable growth in Niger between 2021and 2024.
Author Profile
Latest entries
Foreign
Niger Coup: Nigeria-Niger Freinship Association Seeks For External Intervention
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Latest entries
- Business and EconomyNovember 7, 2024Governor Ododo Endorses GOBO Initiative, Empowering Small-Scale Entrepreneurs and Vulnerable Populations
- CrimeNovember 5, 2024Kogi Govt to Bolster Security, Collaborates With Security Agencies
- NewsNovember 4, 2024Alleged cyberstalking: Ogun NUJ direct members to shut down GTBank accounts
- NewsNovember 4, 2024Senator Natasha Marks One Year in Office with Commissioning of Legacy Projects