Israel's president invites Netanyahu to form a government

The current incumbent’s party won the most seats in an inconclusive election.

ISRAEL’S PRESIDENT HAS named prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the party leader to try to cobble together a governing majority.

Reuven Rivlin’s announcement in Jerusalem today nudged forward the twin dramas over the country’s future and Netanyahu’s fate as his corruption trial resumed.

The charges facing Israel’s longest-serving prime minister posed an extraordinary choice for the country’s president over whether “morality” should be a factor in who should lead the government.

The 23 March election revolved around whether Netanyahu is fit to continue serving.

I know the position held by many, that the president should not give the role to a candidate that is facing criminal charges, but according to the law and the decision of the courts, a prime minister can continue in his role even when he is facing charges.
— Reuven Rivlin (@PresidentRuvi) April 6, 2021

Reuven Rivlin / Twitter

His Likud party won the most seats, but no party won a governing majority of 61 seats in the Knesset.

That handed Rivlin the task of deciding who has the best chance of cobbling together a coalition.

Netanyahu denies all charges and says prosecutors are trying to undermine the voters intent and oust him from office.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More