Benjamin Netanyahu will have 28 days to form a government and vowed to be the Prime Minister of “all of Israel’s citizens, without exception.”
By TPS
Israeli President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new governing coalition on Sunday.
Netanyahu will have 28 days to form a government. A 14-day extension is customarily given if more time is needed.
Netanyahu, in his remarks, vowed to be the Prime Minister of “all of Israel’s citizens, without exception.”
“There are many, many who welcome the election results – but there are also those who make outrageous prophecies and frighten the public. This is not the first time such things have been said. They said it about [Likud’s first leader Menachem] Begin, they said it about me too; it wasn’t true then and it’s not true today either,” Netanyahu said.
“I intend to be a prime minister for everyone – for those who elected me, and for those who did not elect me. It reflects what I believe in and what guides my actions,” he stressed.
Netanyahu hoped to have his government sworn in on Tuesday, when the new Knesset convenes for the first time, but this is now considered unlikely. The government will not be sworn in until all the cabinet portfolios are filled and coalition agreements submitted to the Knesset.
Religious Zionism leader Betzalel Smotrich wants the Defense portfolio, though it is widely believed that portfolio will be held by Likud.
Both Shas and Religious Zionism want the Finance portfolio.
Religious Zionism also seeks the Education and Treasury portfolios.
Itamar Ben-Gvir of Otzma Yehudit’s demands include the Public Security portfolio and an end to Israeli recognition of Reform conversions for purposes of aliyah.
The Foreign Affairs and Justice portfolios are expected to be held by Likud.
Religious Zionism, Otzma Yehudit, Shas and UTJ are united in their support for a controversial Supreme Court override law.