Rivlin could tap Netanyahu to form government amid deadlock

President Reuven Rivlin is expected to task Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with forming the next coalition unless there is progress in unity talks with Blue and White’s Benny Gantz, reports say.

The president could make a decision by tonight.

Rivlin, Netanyahu, and Gantz are scheduled to meet at the President’s Residence later this evening for a dinner.

The president has encouraged the leaders of the two largest parties to form a unity government, but an agreement over who would lead such a coalition remains elusive.

Netanyahu received 55 recommendations to be prime minister from right-wing and religious parties, while Gantz got 54. Yisrael Beytenu and the Balad faction of the Joint List didn’t recommend any candidate.

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