Israel: Herzog grants Netanyahu extension to form government
Israel
Herzog grants Netanyahu extension to form government
Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu will have more time to form a government. photo
© Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
Benjamin Netanyahu gets more time. Israel’s prime minister-elect had asked for more time to form a new government. However, he is given a shorter time frame than requested.
Around five weeks after the parliamentary elections in Israel President Izchak Herzog grants ten more days to form a government in the country. Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu now has until December 21 to forge a coalition, according to a letter from the president on Friday. Netanyahu had previously requested a two-week extension. The reason given was open questions in the coalition negotiations. The letter does not explain why Herzog gave him only ten days.
Next to Netanyahu right-wing conservative Likud party, the right-wing extremist Religious-Zionist Alliance and two strictly religious parties are to be involved in the government. The camp won 64 out of 120 seats in the Knesset in the November 1 election. In principle, Netanyahu has already reached an agreement with his partners. However, a joint coalition agreement is still pending. An extension of the four-week period for forming a government is not unusual in Israel.
The looming new government is expected to push through sweeping changes – which could also play into Netanyahu’s hands in his ongoing corruption trial. Several ministerial posts are to be filled with extremely controversial politicians. Itamar Ben-Gvir, convicted of supporting a terrorist organization, is set to become Minister of National Security.
Experts also warned of a weakening of democracy in the country. In his letter, Herzog called on Netanyahu “that the government to be formed must work for the entire public in Israel”.
