Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on Saturday that he will task opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government, marking a setback for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a deadlocked parliamentary election.
Eisenkot, leader of the centrist Yashar party, will have 28 days to assemble a coalition starting at 5 p.m. local time on Sunday, with a possible 14-day extension if needed. Herzog made the decision after consulting with representatives from all major parties, who collectively recommended Eisenkot over Netanyahu.
Key developments
- Eisenkot secures 67 recommendations from lawmakers to form a government, while Netanyahu received 46. Neither bloc holds a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
- Arab-led parties, holding 19 seats combined, were pivotal in endorsing Eisenkot despite most Jewish parties ruling out cooperation with them.
Eisenkot’s mandate and challenges
Eisenkot, a former military chief, has ruled out forming a government with Arab parties, whose support would give him a majority. His potential pathways include:
- A minority government relying on Arab party votes for key issues.
- A coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties he previously opposed.
- A unity government with Netanyahu, though political tensions may hinder this.
Analysts suggest all three options face significant obstacles. If Eisenkot fails, Herzog could assign the task to another lawmaker or allow the Knesset to nominate a candidate.
Netanyahu’s response and political context
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, remains in office while negotiations proceed. His right-wing coalition holds 53 seats, while Eisenkot’s bloc has 48. Netanyahu has called for a national unity government but faces corruption charges and an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over the Gaza war, which he rejects.
Eisenkot has framed the effort as forming a "national emergency government", emphasizing the need to address Israel’s political and security challenges. His party has urged Netanyahu’s allies to dissolve their alliance with extremist factions.
Election aftermath and next steps
The October 27 election left neither bloc with a clear majority, prolonging Israel’s political instability. Herzog’s decision follows marathon consultations with party representatives, who cited Eisenkot’s broad support as a reason for his selection.
If Eisenkot fails to form a government, the process could extend for weeks, potentially leading to another election. The president’s role in assigning the mandate is largely ceremonial but carries significant political weight in Israel’s coalition-based system.