Israel President to give Blue and White party next chance to form new govt

Israel's President Reuven Rivlin has said that he would give Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz the next chance to form a new government. Rivlin is expected to formally announce his decision within 72 hours. Gantz will have 28 days to form a government.

The statement came after long-standing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed the President yesterday of his inability to form a new government. His attempts to form a coalition government with Gantz's party failed



repeatedly. 

Any lawmaker with a majority of at least 61 members would be able to form a government in 120 member assembly.

Mr Netanyahu has been in power for the past decade. He was running a coalition government since April elections this year. Elections were due in November this year but were brought forward in September following disputes between members of the current government. However, September's elections also failed to produce a clear winner.