Nov 5

Nov 5 Netanyahu Fails to Form Government By Phillip Howard

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to form a government after winning an unprecedented second election and having the first chance to form a ruling government. Now rival Benney Gantz, leader of the Blue and White party, will have the opportunity.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said he worked “incessantly” to create a “broad national unity government” and while he tried to get Gantz to the negotiating table, Gantz refused, Netanyahu stressed that a united government is “what Israel needs in the face of security challenges that are growing by the day, by the hour.”

In response, Blue and White said “the time of spin is over, and it is now time for action.” Gantz is “determined to form the liberal unity government…that the people of Israel voted for a month ago,” referring to the fact that the Blue and White won more seats than Netanyahu’s Likud party in the Knesset.

What now remains going ahead for Gantz in trying to form a new government?

Gantz faces a challenge in trying to gain support from numerous parties, such as the Joint List of Arab parties, who announced their support for Gantz as prime minister last month.

Former defense minister Avigdor Liberman holds significant power now. Convincing him to join one side over the other is going to be challenging given he has refrained from aligning himself with either party.

There is some angst in Israel that another failed coalition attempt would lead to a third election this year, which does not sit well with citizens. Gantz has until November 21st to form a government. If the mandate is returned to the president, the Knesset has 21 days to find an alternative candidate for prime minister, with a deadline of December 11. Lastly, if no candidate is found and no government is formed by March, the Knesset will be immediately dissolved and a new election will take place within 90 days.

Phillip Howard is a graduate student at Utica College