Jerusalem, Sep 26: Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has on Wednesday tasked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with forming a new ruling government within 28 days, following last week’s deadlock with his main challenger Benny Gantz over election, according to president’s office.
The announcement on Wednesday came after a closed-door meeting between Rivlin, Netanyahu, and Gantz – who has ruled out forming any coalition with “a leader against whom stands a severe indictment”, according to Reuters.
Netanyahu was given a 28-day deadline to form a ruling government, as well as, he can ask the president for an additional two-week extension, if necessary. Furthermost, if Netanyahu fails to do so, Gantz’s Blue and White party will be likely given the chance to form a ruling government.
“I have decided to give you, Sir, the opportunity to assemble a government,” Rivlin told the prime minister at a nomination ceremony broadcast live on state TV.
Accepting Rivlin’s mandate, Netanyahu said his chances of winning were only slightly higher than that of Gantz. He said, “If I don’t succeed, I will return the mandate to you and with the help of God and Israel’s citizens and yourself, Mr. President, we will establish a broad national unity government down the line.”
Netanyahu’s Likud Party led religious and right-wing parties is currently 6 seats behind the ruling majority in the 120 seats of parliament. He called for a swift formation of the ruling unity government as “national reconciliation” was needed, he said, in wake of Iran’s allegations and unveiling United States President Donald Trump’s so-called “Deal of the Century” for an Israeli settlement.
On Tuesday, Gantz’s Blue and White party and Netanyahu’s Likud party failed to pave a path to alliance deal. And, shortly after the presidential office’s announcement, Gantz ruled out his party will not join a coalition with a leader against whom stands a severe indictment.
“Blue and White led by me will not agree to sit in a government with a leader against whom stands a severe indictment,” Gantz said in a statement, according to AFP news agency.
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