If Rivlin concludes that no candidate can form a government, he may choose to shorten the process, sources believe. If Netanyahu fails on his first try, Rivlin won‘t grant Netanyahu an extra two weeks to try to form a coalition. Rivlin then may announce that he does not believe Gantz can form a coalition either.

From this point, the Knesset will have three weeks to consolidate support of 61 lawmaker behind a different candidate. If one is found, he could be granted another two-week extension by the president. If the nominated candidate also proves unable to build a coalition, the Knesset will dissolve and third election will be held.