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Liberman refuses to endorse Netanyahu or Gantz, likely forcing 3rd election

“I made every effort. I turned over every stone,” Liberman said on failure of two main party leaders to agree on a power-sharing agreement.

By Aron Heller, Associated Press

Israel’s ‘kingmaker’ Avigdor Liberman on Wednesday refused to endorse a candidate for prime minister, virtually guaranteeing the country will be forced into a new election, the third in less than a year.

Liberman’s comments came ahead of a midnight deadline for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rival, Benny Gantz, to form a coalition.

A September election left both Netanyahu and Gantz short of securing a required parliamentary majority to form a government, with Liberman holding the decisive votes. But after weeks of negotiations, Liberman said he could not endorse either side.

“I made every effort. I turned over every stone,” he said.

Liberman had called for a national unity government between Netanyahu’s Likud party and Gantz’s Blue and White. But the two leaders could not agree on a power-sharing agreement.

Gantz has until midnight to try to seek other partners, but without Liberman, that appears impossible.

Gantz was given the opportunity to form a government last month after Netanyahu failed in the task.