Rivlin to hold coalition talks on the day of Netanyahu's trial
For the sake of argument, should the anti-Netanyahu bloc agree to it, one MK might be tasked with forming a government on the condition he or she will not serve as its prime minister.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFPresident Reuven Rivlin casts his ballot at a voting station in Jerusalem, during the Knesset Elections, on March 23, 2021. (photo credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90)
President Reuven Rivlin will commence consultations to form a new government with all parties elected to the Knesset on Monday. This is also the day the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged corruption and breach of trust is meant to resume.Rivlin will then talk with the candidates recommended by the parties to be entrusted with forming a government and is expected to choose one MK with the task by Wednesday. The meetings he will hold with the candidates will be aired live.While the president normally tasks the Member of Knesset having the backing of the most fellow legislators to form a government, Rivlin is technically able to appoint any of the 120 MKs with the role.For the sake of argument, should the anti-Netanyahu bloc agree to it, an MK who is not a party head could be tasked with forming a government.After the previous election in March 2020, Rivlin tasked both Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz with forming a government but both men failed to do so. Such a double failure to form a government returns the mandate to the hands of the president, and he can then give any other MK the third opportunity to do so, which has never happened in Israel.After three strikes, a government is out and new elections are held.
