Israeli President Hands Mandate to Benjamin Netanyahu to Form Government

Former prime minister has promised to form a right-wing coalition, including ultranationalist and religious parties.

His EXELLENCY PREZ. Benjamin Netanyahu, left, with President Isaac Herzog, will have up to six weeks to establish a new government.

TEL AVIV—Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday handed a mandate to Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new government as negotiations over a governing coalition gained momentum.

Mr. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister until he was ousted from power a year and a half ago, prevailed in this month’s election, the country’s fifth in under four years. In consultations with Mr. Herzog last week, Mr. Netanyahu secured the recommendation of 64 lawmakers from his right-wing and religious bloc, giving him a clear majority in the 120-seat Parliament, or Knesset.

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VIDEO COURTESY ; TRT WORLD.