TIMELINE: What to expect after the Knesset is tasked to form a government

Here’s what to expect in the coming weeks and months:

April 16, 2020: Rivlin officially handed the mandate over to the Knesset. The Knesset now has 21 days to form a government. Within that time, 61 MKs or more must request in writing that Rivlin assign the mandate to a particular MK who agrees to the task in writing. The mandate will then be assigned to the MK within two days. The assigned MK will then have 14 days to form a government.

May 7: By this date, Rivlin must receive the letter signed by at least 61 MKs.

May 8: If the Knesset fails to assign an MK the task of forming a coalition, then the president will inform the Speaker of the Knesset of the failure and the Knesset will automatically disperse itself and elections will be declared for the last Tuesday before the end of 90 days of the president’s announcement.

May 23: If an MK succeeds in getting 61 signatures this is the last possible date by which to form a government.

August 4: This is the latest possible date for elections if the Knesset uses the full 21-day period at its disposal and if no request to assign the mandate is submitted to the president by a majority of MKs. If the Knesset dissolves itself earlier or votes to hold the elections earlier, then elections could take place before August 4. This would mean that Israel would go to its fourth round of elections and that Benjamin Netanyahu would remain the country’s interim prime minister.