Netanyahu tasked with forming cabinet while standing trial for corruption
Mona Kandil
Press TV, Ramallah
As Israel’s election — the fourth in the span of two years — resulted in no party winning a majority or holding enough support to form a governing coalition, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has tasked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with forming a new cabinet.
This came a day after holding consultations with political parties to hear their preferred candidate. According to the law, Netanyahu will have 28 days to bring together a coalition, with the option of requesting a two-week extension if necessary.
If no cabinet is formed during that time, the Israeli president can task another candidate with trying to form a coalition. If no party is able to form a governing coalition, Israel may face an unprecedented fifth election in two years.
While Netanyahu has a chance of securing another term in office, his trial for corruption, fraud, and bribery has resumed. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Netanyahu would not be compelled to resign as prime minister unless he is convicted with all appeals exhausted, something that could take several years.
Netanyahu is desperate to stay in power. Experts say he can pass a new law that would grant him immunity as a sitting prime minister from being indicted, or he can use his public office to lash out against prosecutors.
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