World Bulletin / News Desk 

The leader of the right-wing Likud Party Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday was given approval by 51 members of Israel's new Knesset to form the next Israeli government.

Apart from his party's 30 Knesset members, Netanyahu was nominated by the members of the right-wing Jewish Home Party and the members of ultraorthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism.

If he secures enough votes to form the government, Netanyahu will be Israel's 20th prime minister. He will also be four-time prime minister.

Isaac Herzog, the leader of the Zionist Union, only got approval from 24 members of Knesset.

On Sunday, President Reuven Rivlin started discussions with the leaders of Israel's political parties on the formation of the next government amid expectations that Netanyahu would be selected to lead this government.

Former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is expected to back Netanyahu for prime minister.

Moshe Kahlon, a Likud defector who recently founded the Kulanu Party, which won ten Knesset seats, has not yet decided his position. If Kahlon's party votes for Netanyahu, it will tip his balance with a total of 61 seats, enough for Netanyahu to form the government.

According to Israeli law, the Knesset member tasked with forming the government has 28 days to complete the task.

The President can extend that period for a maximum of 14 additional days.