Benny Gantz to Be Tasked with Forming Israeli Government

THE GUARDIAN: Ex-military chief expected to have 28 days to forge coalition and avoid third election in year

Israel’s president is expected to task the former military chief Benny Gantz with forming a government after Benjamin Netanyahu failed to do so following an inconclusive election last month.

Neither Gantz’s Blue and White coalition nor the incumbent prime minister’s Likud party came out with a clear win, and few expect the opposition leader to form a coalition through deals with disparate political parties with ease.

He will have 28 days to try, after which parliament can nominate a third candidate, although that appears extremely unlikely given the divided makeup of Israel’s legislature, the Knesset.

If no contender can end the political crisis, the country will face an unprecedented third election in a year. » | Oliver Homes in Jerusalem | Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Netanyahu Fails to Form a Government. Israel Turns to Gantz.

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Israel’s president will offer the chance to form a government to Benny Gantz.

JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel gave up on his latest attempt to form a government on Monday, clearing the way for Benny Gantz, the former army chief who narrowly defeated him in last month’s election, to try to become the country’s next leader.

Mr. Netanyahu, who turned 70 on Monday and has been prime minister since 2009, told President Reuven Rivlin that he had been unable to put together a 61-seat majority coalition in Parliament.

Mr. Rivlin said he would give Mr. Gantz, 60, leader of the centrist Blue and White party, the mandate to form a government “as soon as possible.” Under the law, Mr. Gantz will have 28 days to do so.

“The time of spin is over, and it is now time for action,” Mr. Gantz’s party said in a statement. “Blue and White is determined to form the liberal unity government, led by Benny Gantz, that the people of Israel voted for a month ago.” » | David M. Halbfinger and Isabel Kershner | Monday, October 21, 2019