Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Ganzt ended a 17-month struggle for the leadership of Israel on Monday by making an unexpected political compromise. They are now both at the head of the Israeli state.

In a response to the threat of COVID-19, the two rivals have agreed to create a joint government in an effort to lead the nation through the crisis, avoiding a fourth round of elections that would have been likely to continue a yeah and a half of political gridlock. With that possibility out of the way—for better or worse—Israel now has a clearer path forward.

Netayahu will serve as chief prime minister while Ganzt joins him in the office as vice prime minister. Per the terms of the agreement, Netayahu will serve another 18 months as prime minister, after which Ganzt will assume full command of the office.
“I am at peace with myself and at peace with my decision,” Ganzt said. “Israel needs a national emergency government. And Israel comes before all else.”