Israeli President Isaac Herzog has selected former military chief Gadi Eisenkot to form the country’s next government, giving him the first opportunity to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following an inconclusive general election.
Herzog informed Eisenkot of his decision on Saturday (November 7), with the formal appointment scheduled to take place at a ceremony at the president’s residence on Sunday.
The decision follows consultations with political parties after the October 27 election failed to produce a parliamentary majority for either of the main political blocs.
Eisenkot, who leads the Yashar party, received the backing of lawmakers representing 67 seats in the 120-member Knesset, compared with 46 who supported Netanyahu.
However, forming a government could prove challenging, as Eisenkot’s four-party alliance secured 48 seats, while Netanyahu’s right-wing and religious bloc won 53. A minimum of 61 seats is required to secure a parliamentary majority.
Arab-led parties, which secured a record 19 seats in the election, also backed Eisenkot during the presidential consultations. However, he has ruled out forming a government in partnership with them.
Eisenkot will have 28 days to secure the support needed to form a government, with the possibility of a further 14-day extension.
If successful, he would replace Netanyahu, who has served as Israel’s prime minister for several terms and remains in office until a new government is formed.
The selection marks a significant political setback for Netanyahu, whose governing coalition lost its parliamentary majority in the election. (Newswire)
