Israeli President Readies Nod for Gantz to Form Coalition

Centrist leader Benny Gantz began meeting with representatives of other Israeli political factions ahead of Wednesday evening’s ceremony in which Israel’s president will bestow on him a mandate to form the next government. Following the failure of caretaker prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu to assemble a coalition, various scenarios are being envisioned under which Gantz, the clear underdog, will be able to make a deal based solely of the prospect of yet another election – Israel’s third in less than a year. According to numerous observers, hitherto stubborn parties might be more inclined to make a deal with Gantz rather than accept the blame for failure – including the possibility of a so-called minority coalition, in which fewer than 61 parliamentarians actually join although at least that many can be counted on to vote it in, leaving Gantz with more time to widen his ranks of partners.