Netanyahu’s mandate ends in failure, blames Bennett

Islam News – Netanyahu had until midnight to ask Rivlin for an extension.
Instead he released a statement three minutes before the deadline blaming Yamina leader Naftali Bennett “Due to Bennett’s refusal to promise to only form a government with the Right, which would have definitely led to the formation of a government with additional MKs joining, the prime minister has returned the mandate to the president,” the statement said.

Rivlin’s spokesman issued a statement saying: “Shortly before midnight, Netanyahu informed the President’s Residence that he was unable to form a government and so returned the mandate to the president.” The statement said that on Wednesday morning, Rivlin would contact the parties represented in the Knesset regarding the continuation of the process of forming a government.
His only political statement all day until then was a message on Twitter to Bennett and MK Ayelet Shaked to form a government with him, instead of Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid.

Source: JPOST