Israel’s president on Thursday tasked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with forming a new government after lawmakers endorsed a coalition pact with his election rival, a government statement said. Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, had passed legislation early on Thursday approving a new coalition government framework for Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Gantz to share the premiership and end a year-long political deadlock. They argued that the law should bar an official charged with serious crimes from continuing as prime minister. Mr. Netanyahu has been indicted with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of scandals involving trading favors with wealthy media moguls. Mr. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing, and since his indictment last fall, he has repeatedly lashed out at the country’s legal system.

Source: The Hindu May 07, 2020 18:33 UTC