Netanyahu’s chief rival promises 'broad' government 'within a few days'
Israel’s president has tapped Blue and White leader Benny Gantz with forming a new government after the third election in less than a year produced no clear winner.
In a serious blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political ambitions, Israel’s president has tasked retired army chief Benny Gantz with forming a new government.
After receiving the endorsement of 61 lawmakers in the country’s 120-seat Knesset during consultations Sunday, Reuven Rivlin has given Gantz, whose centrist Blue and White Party came up short in Israel’s March 2 elections, 28 days to form a new government.
“I give you my word, I will do all in my ability to establish within a few days as broad and patriotic a government as possible,” Gantz said during a televised nomination ceremony Monday.
Israel has held three inconclusive elections in less than a year. Gantz called on Netanyahu, who declared victory after his Likud party won just 36 seats earlier this month, to join him in a unity administration.
