Key points

  • Israeli President Isaac Herzog tasked opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government, passing over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Al Jazeera and Business Recorder reports.
  • The decision follows an inconclusive October 27 election in which neither major bloc secured the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority in the 120-seat Knesset, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Eisenkot received recommendations from 67 lawmakers, while Netanyahu's bloc secured 46 endorsements, according to statements cited by Al Jazeera and Business Recorder.

Following a deadlocked parliamentary election that left the political future of the country hanging in the balance, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has bypassed incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to give opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the first opportunity to build a ruling coalition, according to Al Jazeera and Business Recorder.

Key Details

Al Jazeera reported that President Herzog communicated his decision to Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and former military chief, on Saturday evening ahead of a formal ceremony. Business Recorder noted that Herzog's spokesperson stated the president invited Eisenkot to the President's Residence to receive the mandate.

In the October 27 general election, Eisenkot's four-party alliance secured 48 seats, while Netanyahu's right-wing and religious bloc won 53 seats, leaving both short of the 61-seat threshold required for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset, according to Al Jazeera. Arab-led parties representing Palestinian citizens of Israel captured a record 19 seats in the same election.

Al Jazeera stated that Eisenkot was recommended by parties representing 67 lawmakers, compared to 46 endorsements for Netanyahu's bloc. Business Recorder added that while Arab leaders nominated Eisenkot, he has declined to join forces with Arab parties. Meanwhile, Netanyahu warned that an opposition government supported by Arab-led parties could lead to national collapse, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Context and Impact

Eisenkot now has 28 days to forge a governing coalition, with a possible 14-day extension permitted under the rules, according to Al Jazeera and Business Recorder. His potential paths to power include forming a minority government with external Arab support, partnering with ultra-Orthodox parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism to reach the 61-seat minimum, or pursuing other political arrangements, as outlined by both outlets.

Summary and What Next

Weeks of protracted political negotiations are expected to follow the nomination. It remains to be seen whether Eisenkot can successfully bridge political divides to establish a stable administration before his 28-day deadline expires.