Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has formally tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming a government, DW reports.
Eisenkot, leader of the centrist “Yashar” party, will have 28 days to build a coalition to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s current religious-nationalist government.
Herzog also has the authority to extend Eisenkot’s mandate by a further 14 days.
“The talks with the various parties were frank and transparent; they also made it possible to hear the many voices that exist in Israeli society. They reminded us that all citizens of Israel — from every walk of life — have an equal right to be heard,” Herzog said.
He stressed that Eisenkot received the clearest backing from a majority of Knesset members when it came to forming a new government. “The challenges we face are enormous. Iran, without wasting a second, continues its threats. We must begin building a future in the region, implement Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, and also negotiate the future with Lebanon and other neighbours,” the Israeli president said.
He added that “Israel needs a stable government capable of meeting these challenges”.
For his part, Eisenkot said he aims to form a national emergency government. “We do not have the luxury of allowing ourselves endless election cycles. I will approach all Knesset members — both parties and individuals — with a proposal to hold talks,” he added.
Parliamentary Election Results and What Happens Next
In Israel’s October election, the “Yashar” party came second, winning 21 seats — behind Netanyahu’s Likud party, which took 27.
However, a majority of Knesset members (Israel’s parliament) said Eisenkot should be given the first chance to form a government. Sixty-seven MPs backed Eisenkot, while Netanyahu received the support of 46 lawmakers.
Meanwhile, the ultra-Orthodox Ashkenazi party United Torah Judaism decided not to back anyone at all — despite having been part of Netanyahu-led governments for the past 17 years.
If Eisenkot fails to form a coalition, President Isaac Herzog will have the authority to pass the task to another Knesset member. Netanyahu is expected to be the next candidate.
If the Likud leader is also unable to form a government, and if no other MP can demonstrate sufficient support to lead one, Israel will most likely hold another election.
- Eisenkot, a former Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, is Netanyahu’s main political rival. His bloc opposes cooperation with the Arab parties that backed him. At the same time, their support could have secured him a majority.