Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin has tasked acting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with forming a new coalition government. The president made this announcement on local television, following meetings with Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, the leaders of the largest factions that received the most votes in the elections.
“I am informing you that Prime Minister Netanyahu has received the mandate from me, although he does not have 61 votes, which is necessary to form a coalition. Neither Gantz nor Netanyahu has the required number of votes. Netanyahu has been supported by 55 of the Knesset members, Gantz by 54. Netanyahu’s chances are greater,” the Israeli president commented.
Netanyahu now has 28 days for negotiations on forming a coalition government. If necessary, he will be given an additional two weeks.
Let us recall that on 17 September, for the first time in the history of Israel, repeat parliamentary elections were held.
