President Rivlin Points Netanyahu to Form Israeli Cabinet Again

Jerusalem, MINA – Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Wednesday, September 24 pointed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new government again. It follows the results of the second round of elections which ended last week’s deadlock.

The announcement was taken based on a joint meeting between Rivlin, Netanyahu, and Benny Gantz. Gantz himself rejected the joint government led by a person facing corruption charges.

Netanyahu (69 years) has 28 days to form the cabinet. If necessary, he can request Rivlin for a two-week extension. But if it fails, then Gantz from the Blue and White party which will be given the opportunity to take control.

“I have decided to give you, Mr, an opportunity to form a government,” Rivlin told Netanyahu broadcast live on TV as reported by Aljazeera on Thursday, September 26.

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Accepting the mandate, Netanyahu said his chances of success were only slightly higher than that of Gantz.

In his remarks, Netanyahu implied the distribution of power with Gantz. So it is clear that there is no way out of the current political stalemate except for the third round of voting.

“If I am not successful. I will return the mandate to you and with the help of Lord and citizens of Israel and you, Mr. President, we will form a national unity government that is in line,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu has been indicted on charges of corruption, although he denies it. The longest-serving Israeli prime minister may not be in office again for the fifth time if he fails to form his cabinet.

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The right-wing party block and the religious party led by Likud Party lack six ruling majority seats in 120 parliamentary seats.

In the countdown set by the president, Likud has guaranteed the support of 55 legislators to 54 from the Blue and White Party. Therefore, Netanyahu called for the formation of national unity or he called it “national reconciliation”. (T/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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