Leader of the New Hope party Gideon Sa’ar and his wife Geula walk outside a polling station during a general election in Tel Aviv, Israel March 23, 2021. Jalaa Marey/Pool via REUTERS

i24 News – Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Sunday signed an agreement to merge their parties and create the joint electoral list ahead of the upcoming elections.

Reports about the possible union between Gantz’s Blue and White party and Sa’ar’s New hope emerged earlier today. The two politicians made an official announcement during a press conference later in the evening, saying that they are “laying the cornerstone for the next government,” according to The Times of Israel.

“From the moment I entered into politics, I have repeatedly said that we are at an illogical and unprecedented situation,” Gantz was quoted as saying, referring to the ongoing political deadlock, which the defense minister called the “biggest democratic and political crisis in history.”

“Israel deserves better,” Gantz added, pledging to establish a “responsible, realistic, secure and liberal” government.

According to the politician, a new center-right coalition between Blue and White and New Hope will “say no to racism, no to extremism, and yes to unity for all parts of the country and all types of citizens.”

Gantz also urged other groups that share common values to join the union. Sa’ar in turn said that Israel “needs a new hope and a way out of this crisis.” Sa’ar added that Gantz will take the joint list’s top slot, calling him “the ideal candidate to lead the next government.”