Let’s Try It Again: Netanyahu Given 28 Days To Form Government

After two days of discussions between Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu and Blue & White leader Benny Gantz, negotiations have broken down.

No agreement was made to create a national unity government between the two leading parties.

Therefore, Rivlin has decided to give Netanyahu the first opportunity to form a coalition government because 56 members of Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) told Rivlin they want Bibi to be the PM again.

Only 55 members supported Gantz.

Netanyahu now has 28 days to try to form a government. If necessary, he can ask Rivlin for up to an additional 14 days.

If Bibi cannot form a government, however, Rivlin will give Gantz the opportunity to try. If it gets to that point, Gantz will also have 28 days. He may also then have a great deal of leverage to persuade Bibi and Likud to create a national unity government after all.

Bottom line: keep praying for God’s will to be accomplished — Israel may not have a fully-formed new government until late November.