Gantz tabbed to form new Israeli gov't

JERUSALEM

Israeli President Reuen Rivlin on Monday tasked opposition leader Benny Gantz with forming a new government.

Gantz, the leader of the Blue and White party, has 28 days, with the option of a two-week extension, to build up a coalition government.

A total of 61 members of the newly-elected 120-member Knesset (Israel's parliament) have recommended Gantz to form the new government.

Outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has got only 58 recommendations.

"I give you my word, I will do all in my ability to establish within a few days as broad and patriotic a government as possible," Gantz said in statements after being mandated to form the government.

Israeli media said that Gantz is expected to meet with members of Netanyahu's Likud party to discuss the possibility of forming an emergency government or national unity government.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara