Israel: Netanyahu says he 'tried everything' to form a coalition

After the heated election in November, the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu on October 22 said that he 'tried everything' but now has given up his efforts to form a coalition government. This has opened a possible path to power for his rival, former army chief of staff Benny Gantz. Netanyahu approached Gantz in order to get him on board for negotiation to form a broad national unity government and prevent another election but time and again, Gantz refused. 

Immediately after PM's announcement, President Reuven Rivlin said that he would give a chance to Gantz in order to assemble a majority of lawmakers. This is also after a decade that someone else will take charge of the government other than Netanyahu and will reportedly get 28 days to achieve a coalition. 

Read - Israel PM Netanyahu Gives Up Hope To Form Government, Returns Mandate

'Encourage terror and oppose Israel's existance'

In the video, Netanyahu also warned that the former army chief could assume power with the support of the Israeli Arab lawmakers who 'encourage terror and oppose Israel's existence'. Their party also emerged as the third-largest in the Knesset. While Gantz said in a reportedly brief statement that the time for the spin is over and now is the time for action. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin had given four weeks to Netanyahu to form a coalation however, two days before the deadline, he gave up on the task which was assigned to him. 

Read - Hamas Decries Israel's Participation In US-led Bahrain Summit

Gantz aims for a broad, liberal unity government

Netanyahu has asserted that a unity government can still be formed if Gantz fails to form a coalition during the 28 days mandate he received from President Rivlin. Any member of the Knesset (MK) with the support of 61 other MKs can form a government in the following 21 days after the 28 days mandate. If no one succeeds, then the process of re-election will be initiated automatically. Gantz has rejected Netanyahu's statement and said that he intends to form and lead a broad, liberal, unity government. He said “the Israeli people wanted a unity government after the last election too and vowed to form a "broad, liberal unity government."

Read - Pompeo Seeks To Reassure Israel Amid Syria Turmoil

Read - White House Official: Kushner To Visit Israel This Month

(With inputs from agencies)