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Rivlin meets with Netanyahu, Gantz in effort to establish coalition government

“This is not the time to exclude people. A shared and equal government is possible. It can and it must express the different voices in society,” said Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

Israel's President Reuven Rivlin (center) meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) and Benny Gantz on Sept. 23, 2019. Credit: Haim Zach/GPO.
Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin (center) meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) and Benny Gantz on Sept. 23, 2019. Credit: Haim Zach/GPO.

Israeli Prime Minister and Likud Party head Benjamin Netanyahu met with Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin, and Blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz, on Monday evening and made “significant steps” in talks to form a government, said Rivlin.

“We have taken a significant step forward tonight, and now the first challenge is to establish a channel of direct communication between the sides,” said Rivlin, Ynet reported.

“The people expect you to find a solution and to prevent further elections, even if it comes at a personal and even ideological cost,” stated Rivlin. “This is not the time to exclude people. A shared and equal government is possible. It can and it must express the different voices in society.”

In the hour-long meeting, the president explained that after his consultations with the parties, no candidate had the support of the majority of the Knesset in order to form a government.

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