Gantz was tapped after a majority of 61 lawmakers in the 120-member Parliament told President Reuven Rivlin they support Gantz over Netanyahu. A coalition of Arab parties, including a staunchly Palestinian nationalist faction, decisively helped tip the scales by unanimously endorsing Gantz.
This does not mean Gantz will automatically become Israel's next prime minister, but it gives him 42 days to try to form a government. More immediately, it gives him the upper hand in Parliament, as his party considers advancing legislation barring Netanyahu from forming a new government due to a corruption indictment against him. -Full Report
Rivlin to task Gantz with forming government after he receives 61 endorsements
Rivlin hosts Gantz, Netanyahu to talk up emergency unity government
Government okays mass surveillance of Israelis' phones to curb coronavirus
