Israel president gives opposition chief Lapid mandate to form govt

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (R) signs a letter of appointment to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu entrusting the latter with forming the next government at the President's residence in Jerusalem, on April 17, 2019. /Xinhua

Israel's president on Wednesday gave opposition leader Yair Lapid a mandate to form a government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failed effort, following the nation's fourth inconclusive vote in less than two years.

"I have spoken to Yair Lapid and told him I am giving him the (28-day) mandate," President Reuven Rivlin said.

(With input from agencies)