Netanyahu rival Gantz chosen to form new Israeli government
Israel's president said on Sunday he will tap Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rival Benny Gantz to try to form new government after a repeat election in March, according to an official statement. Gantz, a former general, had earlier in the day won support from two key parties in his bid to oust right-wing Netanyahu, who is Israel's longest-serving leader.
- World
- AP
- Published Date: 08:12 | 15 March 2020
- Modified Date: 08:14 | 15 March 2020
Israel's president on Sunday said he has decided to give opposition leader Benny Gantz the first opportunity to form a new government following an inconclusive national election this month.
President Reuven Rivlin's office announced his decision late Sunday after consulting with leaders of all of the parties elected to parliament.
The decision raises questions about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political future.
Netanyahu's Likud emerged as the largest party in the March 2 election, Israel's third in under a year. But with his smaller religious and nationalist allies, he received the support of only 58 lawmakers during Sunday's consultations, leaving Likud three seats short of the required majority in parliament.
Gantz's Blue and White received the support of parties representing 61 seats, a slim majority. However, those parties are also divided, and it is not clear whether Gantz will succeed in putting together a coalition.
He will now have a month to cobble together a governing coalition.