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Israeli President Picks Netanyahu to Try to Form Government

VOA News

   Israeli President Reuven Rivlin announcedTuesday he selectedPrime
   Minister Benjamin Netanyahuto try to form a new government.

   A March 23 election, the country's fourth in the span of two years,
   resulted in no party winning a majority or holding enough support to
   form a governing coalition.

   Netanyahuwill have 28 days to bring together a coalition, with the
   option of requesting a two-week extension if necessary.

   If no government is formed during that time, Rivlin can task another
   candidate with trying to formacoalition.

   InRivlin's earlierconsultations with the parties that earned seats in
   the120-memberKnesset,Netanyahu received the recommendations of 52
   lawmakers, while former Finance Minister Yair Lapid had 45 endorsements
   and former Defense Minister Naftali Bennet had seven.

   Netanyahu is on trial for bribery and fraud.He has pleaded not guilty
   to the charges.

   Rivlin said Tuesday he knows many believea candidate facing criminal
   charges should not be in line to be prime minister, but that the
   lawsays,"a prime minister can continue in his role even when he is
   facing charges." Rivlin said he believed in his making his decision
   that ongoing criminal proceedings should not be a factor.

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