Knesset gets job to elect new Israeli PM

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Thursday asked the Knesset to choose a new prime minister.

Benny Gantz and Benjamin Netanyahu posters in Ramat Gan. Picture: AFP

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Thursday asked the Knesset to choose a new prime minister, giving the parliament three weeks to agree upon a leader or plunge the country into an unprecedented fourth consecutive election in just over a year.

Mr Rivlin made the move after his nominee, Benny Gantz, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to reach a power-sharing deal by a midnight Wednesday (7am AEST) deadline.

Mr Netanyahu’s Likud and Mr Gantz’s Blue and White party said they would continue their negotiations toward an “emergency” unity government meant to steer the country through the coronavirus crisis.

The sides officially have three weeks to wrap up a deal. Otherwise, the Knesset would dissolve and trigger another election.

But Mr Netanyahu appears to have gained some leverage. With Mr Gantz no longer holding the presidential mandate to put together a coalition, the former could search for other options.

A total of 59 MPs have endorsed Mr Netanyahu, leaving him just shy of a majority in the 120-seat parliament. While continuing to speak to Mr Gantz, he may also try to lure two MPs from his opposition in hopes of putting together a government.

A poll published on Tuesday by Channel 12 TV showed Likud surging in support and easily securing Mr Netanyahu re-election.

During three bitter campaigns over the past year, Mr Gantz vowed never to serve in a government under Mr Netanyahu, who has been indicted on corruption charges. The long- serving Mr Netanyahu, meanwhile, would likely be forced to step aside and allow Mr Gantz to serve as prime minister for part of the time in a rotating power- sharing deal.

Last month’s election, just like campaigns last April and September, ended with no clear winner. But with a slight majority of MPs endorsing him, Mr Gantz was given the first shot at building a coalition.

With the virus crisis worsening, and his own shaky alliance fraying, Mr Gantz made an about-face late last month and accepted an offer from Mr Netanyahu to pursue a joint government to deal with the pandemic. That caused his Blue and White alliance to crumble, leaving him with a faction of only about half its original size.

While Mr Gantz’s mandate for forming a government technically expired, both sides can continue discussions until parliament is formally dissolved.

Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gantz appeared close to a rotation deal in which each would serve terms as prime minister, Mr Gantz first as speaker of the Knesset. But last week negotiations stalled, over a demand by Mr Netanyahu to have more influence over judicial appointments.

Israel has reported 12,501 cases and 130 deaths from the outbreak, which has paralysed the economy, shut Israelis in their homes and driven unemployment to record highs.

AP