Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has on Wednesday invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, four-time prime minister of the country, to form the next coalition of government, following last week’s general elections in the country.
According to ANI news reports, during a press conference held alongside the prime minister, Rivlin stated, “In democracies, the majority decides. And in these elections, the majority spoke its part.”
The president called on the incoming prime minister to “soothe divide after a tumultuous election campaign”, The Times of Israel reported.
Netanyahu was poised to form a coalition of the government of right-wing and the ultra-orthodox parties after the discussions start on Thursday. Netanyahu has only 28 days to form a government to rule Israel. Netanyahu is poised to swear in on April 30.
The recent general elections has viewed Netanyahu defeating Benny Gantz, the leader of the Blue and White party. Gantz is now likely to lead the opposition in the 21st Knesset.
The Netanyahu-led coalition of the government was likely to have consisted of 35 seats from his own Likud Party- eight seats each from the United Torah Judaism and Shas parties, five seats each from Yisrael Beytenu and the Union of Right-Wing parties, and lastly the four seats from the Kulanu part.
The election for the national legislature and the 21st Knesset was seen as a close battle between the opposition candidate Benny Gantz’ Blue and White party and Netanyahu’s Likud party.
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