"Netanyahu clutches political lifeline"

[real Cannabis calm]

Explainer: Israel's Netanyahu clutches political lifeline
Jeffrey Heller of REUTERS

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel’s president has thrown Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a political lifeline, asking him to try to form a government after he failed to secure a clear election victory twice in six months.

The inconclusive ballot on Sept. 17 left had Netanyahu weakened and his right-wing Likud party in second place, with 32 seats versus 33 for former armed forces chief Benny Gantz’s centrist Blue and White party in the 120-member parliament.

Under that game plan, Gantz would be able to abandon his vow not to sit in a government with a prime minister facing possible charges in three corruption cases.

Netanyahu, who denies the bribery and fraud allegations, could break up his current alliance with ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties. Gantz opposes that partnership, saying he seeks a liberal, or secular, government.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-election-explainer/explainer-israels-netanyahu-clutches-political-lifeline-idUSKBN1WB11N

[W_HAMILTON]

1. If Netanyahu won fewer votes, why does he get first shot at forming a government?

[real Cannabis calm]

3. Good strategy by his rival...

Netanyahu faces a nearly impossible task and gets blamed when he fails.

Also, the margin of seats was very small, which will cause another election, where Netanyahu will be lass popular and perhaps indicted for corruption.

[Mike Nelson]

2. Like in the...

... USA, the person with the fewer votes wins?