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Rivlin formally nominates Netanyahu as prime minister

Israel’s president has formally nominated Benjamin Netanyahu for a fourth consecutive term as prime minister.

By Associated Press

In one of the president’s few non-ceremonial roles, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin formally nominated Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister on Wednesday and tasked him with assembling a governing coalition within 42 days.

The move was widely expected after Netanyahu’s Likud party and its allies captured a majority of seats in parliamentary elections last week.

Rivlin hosted post-election consultations with party leaders this week to hear their recommendations for who should serve as the next prime minister.

Netanyahu’s allies, who command a 65-55 majority in the 120-seat parliament, all lobbied for Netanyahu to continue as prime minister.

In the coming weeks, Netanyahu will have to negotiate coalition deals with his partners, who will jockey for powerful and influential Cabinet posts.