Israel’s president has officially tasked Gadi Eisenkot, the primary opposition rival to Benjamin Netanyahu, with the responsibility of forming a new government. This decision follows a deadlocked election that concluded without a clear majority for either side, leaving the country in a period of political negotiation. The move represents a significant setback for the incumbent prime minister, who has been fighting to retain his position after his religious-nationalist coalition lost its majority in the vote held on October 27.
Eisenkot, a former military chief, led a bloc of parties that sought to remove Israel’s longest-serving premier from office. Because neither Eisenkot nor Netanyahu secured enough seats to govern alone, a coalition must be constructed to command a majority in the Knesset. President Isaac Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial but includes the constitutional duty to nominate a candidate to form a government, made the announcement on Saturday.
A spokesperson for President Herzog stated that the former military leader was invited to the President's Residence, where he was formally tasked with the mission the following day. Eisenkot responded to the nomination by posting on the social media platform X, declaring that the time had come to establish a national emergency government. He added that he would do everything in his power to ensure the new administration was worthy of the trust placed in it.
The decision to invite Eisenkot first was influenced by recommendations from members of the Knesset. According to the presidential office, 67 members of parliament recommended that Eisenkot be given the first opportunity to form a government. In contrast, 46 members recommended that Netanyahu be tasked with the role, while seven members chose not to recommend any specific candidate.
Political experts suggest that Eisenkot, whose Yashar party is considered largely centrist, faces three main pathways to building a viable administration. He could attempt to form a minority government with external support from Arab parties, construct a coalition that includes ultra-Orthodox parties, or create a unity government that includes Benjamin Netanyahu. Each option presents distinct challenges and political risks for the former military chief.
Eisenkot has historically been skeptical of both the Arab and ultra-Orthodox options. Despite this, Arab political leaders, who are deeply concerned about what they view as the racist policies of Netanyahu and his far-right allies, nominated him to be the first to attempt forming a government. This support highlights the significant divisions within the political landscape and the pressure on Eisenkot to bridge gaps between previously opposing factions.
The relationship between Eisenkot and Netanyahu has been complex. Eisenkot briefly served in Netanyahu’s wartime cabinet following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. However, he soon returned to the opposition, where he has publicly criticized the prime minister’s leadership. He has also sworn not to serve in a government with Netanyahu again, making a unity government a difficult prospect despite its potential stability.
The 66-year-old politician has 28 days to attempt to form a government, with the possibility of a 14-day extension if needed. However, experts indicate that success is unlikely given the fragmented nature of the Knesset. If Eisenkot fails to build a coalition, another candidate can be invited to try. If that candidate also fails, the parliament can nominate a different figure. The entire process has a deadline of approximately 100 days, after which a new election will be held if no government has been formed.
