The interim prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, insists on his right to lead a unity government, even though his rival Gadi Eisenkot has officially accepted to form the next government.
Netanyahu: "A unity government is an urgent necessity", and it is natural that it should be headed by the leader of the largest party in the Knesset.
The "Likud" party led by Netanyahu won 27 mandates compared to 21 for the "Isher" party led by Eisenkot, but the Netanyahu camp did not obtain a parliamentary majority.
Eisenkot received the recommendations of 67 representatives compared to 46 for Netanyahu, and was given a period of 28 days to assemble the government, which can be extended by 14 days.
Netanyahu calls on all Israeli and ultra-Orthodox parties to participate in a unity government headed by him, and declares his willingness to talk with them.