(JNS) Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has nominated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form the next government.

Rivlin said that Netanyahu, who has the backing of 55 Knesset members, six short of a majority, has a higher chance than Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, who had the backing of 54 MKs, only 44 of whom would actually sit in his government, to form the next government.

“The chance of the prime minister to form a coalition is higher,” he said.

The move comes after a push for Netanyahu and Gantz to form a unity government. Gantz and Netanyahu met twice this week to no avail.

In his address, Netanyahu reiterated the call for unity. “We won’t be able to form a government unless we do it together,” Netanyahu said.