Israeli PM Netanyahu gives up on forming new coalition

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ended his quest to form a new coalition, the president said, in a step that pushes the country into new political uncertainty.

Israeli PM Netanyahu gives up on forming new coalition

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ended his quest to form a new coalition, the president said, in a step that pushes the country into new political uncertainty.

Mr Netanyahu fell short of securing a 61-seat parliamentary majority in last month’s national election, but President Reuven Rivlin gave him the first opportunity to form a government because he had more support, 55 seats, than any other candidate.

The PM had hoped to form a broad “unity” government with his chief rival, former military chief Benny Gantz, but late on Monday, Mr Netanyahu announced he had come up short.

Mr Rivlin said he will give Mr Gantz a chance to form a government, although the former army man does not appear to have enough support either.

If Mr Gantz fails, Israel could hold its third election in less than a year.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Russia arrests another suspect in concert hall attack that killed 143 Russia arrests another suspect in concert hall attack that killed 143
Andrew Flintoff File Photos Andrew Flintoff’s BBC return confirmed following Top Gear crash
Glastonbury Festival 2007 - Worthy Farm - Pilton, Somerset Song lyrics have become angrier since the 80s, study shows
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited