PM: "I made every effort to bring Benny Gantz to the negotiating table, every effort to establish a broad national unity government, every effort to prevent another election. He simply refused." Gantz, whom Rivlin is now set to task with forming government, to likely face equally difficult task.
With Wednesday's deadline looming to form a government, New Right leader calls on allies to stand with PM to increase his negotiating power.
After PM reaches out to Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, the latter responds that it was "an offer I could not refuse."
As chiefs of staff, Aryeh Deri says Blue and White party leaders know a strong government is needed to ensure Israel's security. "There is only one framework on the table, the president's framework. There is no other alternative other than an 'election disaster," he says.
Officials say it's hard to continue negotiations when the Likud insists on throwing up obstacles, such as the insistence that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu serve first in any rotation.
Likud allies stress that they will not turn their back on prime minister even if he fails to form government on the first go. Under Israeli law, Knesset will ultimately have 21 days to pick a designated prime minister as last-ditch effort before general election.
Gantz to Netanyahu: "I don't want to see you behind bars. I hope you are innocent, but we need a prime minister." Blue and White offers Netanyahu power-sharing deal if he leaves post for the next two years.
Israel prepares to swear in the 22nd Knesset under the shadow of political uncertainty. Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein to remain in post until a new government is formed.
PM Netanyahu convenes right-wing allies to discuss what should be done going forward, including the possibility of handing the mandate to form the next government back to President Reuven Rivlin.
Unnamed official in center-left list tells Israel Hayom: Benny Gantz will be prime minister. PM Netanyahu's time is over.
