Jerusalem  - Israeli President Shimon Peres Monday night asked Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to form a new governing coalition, to replace that headed by Ehud Olmert, who resigned the premiership Sunday night.

Peres spent Sunday night and Monday consulting with the representatives of all Knesset factions on whom to entrust the formation of a new government.

Livni, who replaced Olmert as leader of the ruling Kadima party last week, had been widely tipped to get the nod, even though only a minority of factions recommended Peres nominate her.

Under Israeli law, she has 42 days in which to put together a new coalition. (dpa)