Former Israeli PM Netanyahu tasked with forming new gov’t

Former Israeli PM Netanyahu tasked with forming new gov’t

► Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday tasked former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with forming a new government, after the victory of the veteran politician and his alliance of far-right parties in parliamentary elections.

In broadcast joint statements, Herzog said he doesn’t « turn a blind eye » to Netanyahu’s ongoing criminal trial over corruption charges and it should not « be taken lightly. » However, he said, the Supreme Court has ruled that Netanyahu was fit to form a government.

Last week, Herzog held formal consultation talks with representatives of all the political parties. The talks provided « a clear picture, » Herzog said, noting that Netanyahu received the most support — 64 seats in the 120-seat parliament.

Netanyahu, leader of the right-wing Likud party, vowed to serve the entire Israeli citizens, also those « who haven’t voted for me. »

Under Israeli law, Netanyahu now has 28 days to form a coalition government, with a possible 14-day extension.

The move came in the wake of the country’s fifth elections since 2019, which were held on Nov. 1.