Netanyahu Challenger Gantz Chosen to Form New Israeli Gov’t

A combination picture shows Benny Gantz (left), leader of Blue and White party voting at a polling station in Rosh Ha'ayin and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voting at a polling station in Jerusalem during Israel's parliamentary election on April 9, 2019. Nir Elias, Ariel Schalit/Pool via Reuters

JERUSALEM—Israel’s president on March 15 said he has decided to give opposition leader Benny Gantz the first opportunity to form a new government, following an inconclusive national election this month.

President Reuven Rivlin’s office announced his decision on March 15 after consulting with leaders of all of the parties elected to parliament.