Israeli President Reuven Rivlin urged Wednesday the country’s opposing blocs to reach a compromise in the wake of Israel’s third inconclusive election in less than a year. "Any agreement you are able to come to that produces a stable government that gains the trust of the people will be welcomed," he told party heads, adding: "I am hopeful that the 23rd Knesset (parliament) that will be sworn in next week will last longer than its predecessors." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party held 29.4 percent of the vote, equal to around 36 Knesset seats, and a total of 58 seats for his right-wing alliance. Benny Gantzs Blue and White Party followed with 26.59 percent, or some 33 seats, the partial results showed. With the support of a left-wing alliance and the tacit backing of the predominantly Arab Joint List, which has 15 seats, the opposition has the backing of 55 lawmakers. Liebermans Yisrael Beiteinu has 7 seats -- its leader refused to back either candidate following both elections last year. Rivlin will consult heads of lists and parliamentary blocs on Sunday, but due to coronavirus outbreak, he decided to end all meetings and will meet with only one person from each party. There are two candidates for forming the government: Netanyahu and Gantz. Rivlin has until March 17 to designate a candidate to form a government. He has previously supported forming a unity government and called on all sides to put aside personal interests.