Israeli president to wrap up talks on forming new government

Israel’s president is holding his second and final day of crucial talks to find a new prime minister and way out of political deadlock, as he meets with the smaller parties elected in last week’s vote.

Reuven Rivlin will hear from the remaining party leaders on Monday their recommendations for his choice to head a government.

The largely ceremonial president is playing a key role after an almost tied election result. He is expected to announce his choice Wednesday.

Rivlin will likely pick the candidate with the most recommendations — either Blue and White’s Benny Gantz or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Meanwhile, the Joint Arab List said it was withdrawing some of its members’ recommendations for Gantz. That means the number of Gantz supporters is now slightly below Netanyahu’s.