Opposition leader Benny Gantz will be asked to form a new government, Israel’s president said.

“Tomorrow, around midday, the president will assign the task of forming the government to head of (Blue and White party) Benny Gantz”, - reads the statement of Rivlin’s office.

The announcement came at the end of a day in which Rivlin held consultations with all parties in the 120-seat Knesset.

Netanyahu, 70, was due to go on trial this Tuesday, but the coronavirus emergency has promoted restrictions of gatherings that delayed the start of proceedings for alleged bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges.