Netanyahu to form Israeli government

Israeli President Shimon Peres presents right-wing Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu with a mandate to form the country's next government.

Right wing leader Benjamin Netanyahu has come up trumps in Israeli politics.

The 59 year old has been tasked by prime minister Shimon Peres with forming the next government.

(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRESIDENT SHIMON PERES SAYING:

"Due to the authority granted to me by Israeli law, I have decided to appoint member of parliament Benjamin Netanyahu to form the government, while noting that most factions expressed their will that the government which will be formed will be a wide government. I have requested Mr. Netanyahu that this will be projected in the government's make-up."

His main rival, Kadima leader Tzipi Livni also met with met with Peres.

She said a large government is no good.

(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) KADIMA PARTY LEADER AND ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER TZIPI LIVNI SAYING:

"It seems that a coalition was formed based on a lack of political vision, a coalition that doesn't allow me to pursue my path, the path of Kadima as we promised the voters. A large government has no value if it does not have a path."

With the reins being handed over to Netanyahu he urged his opponents to join him for the country's sake.

(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI LIKUD PARTY LEADER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING:

"First of all, I call on Kadima chairwoman Tzipi Livni and Labour Party chairman Ehud Barak and I say to them: let's unite to secure the

future of the state of Israel. I ask to meet with you first to discuss with you a broad national unity government for the good of the people and the state."

A senior Kadima official said joining his government is unlikely.

It was support from the right that gave him the better chance of forming a majority coalition.

With that alliance he may have his hands tied on peace with the Palestinians and fiscal policies.

Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon once described Netanyahu as 'unable to handle pressure' a decade on from his political ousting, he now has 42 days to form a coalition.

Basmah Fahim, Reuters.