WORLD> Middle East
Netanyahu to form new Israeli govt
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-21 08:01

JERUSALEM: Israeli President Shimon Peres chose hard-line Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new Israeli government on Friday, ending days of speculation and giving Netanyahu six weeks to put together a ruling coalition.

Peres made his announcement early Friday afternoon after holding meetings with Netanyahu and Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni.