Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, May 19, 2019. Photo: Ariel Schalit / Pool via Reuters / File.

JNS.org – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering canceling the Sept. 17 elections, his spokesperson said on Tuesday.

This development came after Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein sought a “substantial” initiative to nix the upcoming national decision through Knesset legislation, reported Israel’s Channel 12.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu treats Knesset Speaker Edelstein with respect, and he will consider his proposal in the days ahead,” said Netanyahu spokesperson Yonathan Urich.

“The public does not want to go to elections, and the Knesset’s job is to represent the public,” said Edelstein. “Going to an election when it could be canceled is going against the public.”

Israel’s KAN reported that prior to the Knesset dissolving last month, Netanyahu proposed a rotation to Blue and White leader Benny Gantz in the prime minister’s office if his party joins the coalition.

Blue and White rejected the offer, confident that it will win the next round of voting.

“Netanyahu understands that he will lose the election, so he is looking for magic solutions,” said a Blue and White spokesperson.