Netanyahu Gets Extension Until Dec. 21 to Form Government

YERUSHALAYIM (Reuters) – Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu will have until Dec. 21 to form a new government after getting a 10-day extension from President Yitzchak Herzog on Friday.

Netanyahu has secured majority support in the Knesset, but has yet to finalize the coalition agreements.

With his initial mandate set to expire on Sunday, Netanyahu sought the maximum two-week extension allowed by law. Herzog gave him an extra 10 days.

Coalition talks have dragged on longer than expected, with a main sticking point being who gets which ministerial post and the distribution of power between them.

The opposition had urged Herzog not to grant an extension, accusing Netanyahu of buying time to pass divisive legislation.

Should Netanyahu fail to meet the deadline, Herzog can task another MK to try forming a government. Otherwise, a new election will be called. A prolonged political stalemate has led to five elections in less than four years. Currently an outgoing caretaker government remains in office.

“These are complex days for Israeli society when disputes over fundamental issues threaten to tear it apart and ignite violence and hatred,” Herzog said in a letter to Netanyahu that his office made public.

He called for the formation of a government that represents the entire country and for a coalition that maintains a respectful dialogue between the branches of government.