Last month Prime Minister Netanyahu failed to form a majority government. Benny Gantz, the head of the largest party, failed as well and returned his mandate to President Rivlin yesterday. Earlier today Israel's attorney general announced that Netanyahu will be indicted for fraud, bribery and breach of trust in three separate cases.
The indictment was uncertain last night when Gantz returned his mandate. Today President Rivlin tasked (implored/begged) the Knesset to do a better job. "When the last two Knesset terms began, I asked you to set aside your election swords and clean away the dirt ... show awareness of our sovereignty, statesmanship and responsibility for the people of this dear land ... political fate does not matter as much as the everyday life of the average citizen ... consider your obligation to the people."
For the next 21 days any one of the 120 members can try to form a government, and the indictment could ironically open the door to a unity government. Previously, Blue and White would not agree to a coalition with Netanyahu as prime minister, while Likud remained loyal to Netanyahu and would not agree to anything but. That may now change. But first the AG must ask the Knesset to remove Netanyahu's immunity (which could take 30 days), so we are likely to remain without answers for a while longer.
