Getting an extension from the President in order to have more time to put together the coalition is almost automatic, and I think (based on what I remember reading last time) it happens almost every time new elections are held. So, Netanyahu's request today from Rivlin for an extension is nothing all that exciting.

That being said, it is notable. The results of the elections made it seem like Netanyahu had a slam dunk government. It looked like he'd be able to put things together in probably just days, maybe a week and a bit. The victory was decisive. The partners were clear.

While there are many scenarios that could play out, Netanyahu has a slam dunk government in the combination of Shas, UTJ, Habayit Hayehudi, Yisrael Beyteynu, and Kulanu Kahlon.

On the one hand it is a bit surprising that he has not yet been able to finalize his government coalition, considering his partners are so clear and their demands were so explicit.

On the other hand, just about each party (except perhaps Yisrael Beyteynu) knows that, at least in the makeup described above, Netanyahu cannot form his government with it. This gives each party to make demands, sometimes in conflict with other parties that are also seemingly indispensable.

All these little, sectorial, parties have/demand more power than they deserve. All because they each know that Netanyahu seemingly cannot do anything without them. A government that should have been so simple to establish seems to be one of the most complicated puzzle in a long time...

I almost want a unity government just for the sole purpose of putting the sectorial parties back in their places. They deserve some power and responsibility - they each represent a not insignificant percentage of the population - but they are all making demands as if they each deserve to make all decisions without taking anyone else into consideration. That is besides for the fact that the electoral reform Netanyahu promised would be the first major issue he would tackle immediately after forming the new government (no, I don't believe him) would be electoral reform by changing the system to one that would create a system that has basically two parties can only happen with a unity government...

Maybe whoever succeeds to doing the job of getting everyone together and compromising and actually effects the formation of the coalition should be appointed to head the negotiations with the Palestinians for peace.