Blue and White Chairman Benny Gantz asked President to extend government assembly, and Rivlin's decision is expected to be crucial • These are Rivlin's options

The political system is tense after last Saturday's blue-and-white chairman Benny Gantz asked President Reuben (Ruby) Rivlin two weeks to try to form a government. So what are the options for Rivlin and whether Israel will be drawn into a fourth election campaign?

President Rivlin entrusted MK Gantz with the government train // Photo: PM

Does President Rivlin have to respond to the request of Knesset Speaker Benny Gantz and make him available for another 14 days to form a government?

No. The law gives the president discretion. He may give Benny Gantz up to 14 more days to try to form a government after he failed to fulfill his mission during the 28-day period at his disposal. The law explicitly states "the President may extend this period for additional periods provided that they do not exceed 14 days." That means the president is only allowed to grant Gantz a week.

In the past, did the president extend his candidacy to the prime ministerial candidate?

Usually yes. However, after the September election, the president explicitly informed the prime ministerial candidates that they would not extend it beyond 28 days because he wanted to urge them to rush to form a new government and not trust that if this chapter was not enough, the president would extend it.

Can the President reject Gantz's request and assume the role of Netanyahu?

Definitely. The law allows him to assume the role of Netanyahu if he concludes that he has a better chance of forming a government under his leadership. In this case, Netanyahu will have 28 days to form a government. Before taking the decision, the president may again hold a round of consultations with faction representatives in the Knesset.

Is the President not allowed to assume the role of Gantz and Netanyahu and announce to the Speaker that we do not see the possibility of forming a government?

The President may do so. In this case, 61 MKs may within 21 days propose the name of a MK who seems to have a good chance of forming a government and he wishes to do so and ask the president to impose the government on him. In this situation, the president has no discretion and he must assume the role of the MK and make him available for 14 days.

Does the law prevent signing Gantz or Netanyahu as a candidate in such a case?

No. The law does not prohibit it. He states that "most Knesset members may ask the president of the state in writing to assume the role of MK Khaloni who has agreed in writing."

What happens if the same MK fails to form a government?

The Speaker of the Knesset announces the dissemination and holding of fourth elections at the end of 980 days.