Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced Saturday that opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has been given the first opportunity to form a new government, signaling a significant shift in the nation's political landscape. This decision places the former military chief and Benjamin Netanyahu’s primary challenger in a pivotal position to potentially replace Israel’s longest-serving prime minister.
Eisenkot Receives Mandate Amidst Divided Knesset
Gadi Eisenkot now has 28 days to assemble a governing coalition, with a possible two-week extension, following the October 27 elections. During consultations with President Herzog, parties representing 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot, while 46 backed Netanyahu. Netanyahu’s Likud party emerged as the single largest with 27 seats, but his religious-nationalist bloc secured only 53, falling short of the 61 required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Eisenkot's Yashar party won 21 seats, and his four-party opposition bloc secured 48.
Following Herzog's announcement, Eisenkot posted on X, stating, "Now is the time to form a national emergency government. I will do everything to ensure we are worthy."
Complex Coalition Negotiations and the Role of Arab Parties
Eisenkot faces challenging coalition negotiations, particularly regarding the potential involvement of Arab-led parties, which made historic gains in the recent elections, collectively winning 19 seats. An Arab party has rarely participated in an Israeli governing coalition, and such an arrangement could be politically divisive, especially after more than three years of conflict following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks.
Eisenkot has indicated that any potential partners must accept conditions, including recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization and supporting the destruction of its military and governing capabilities. He could pursue a minority government with external support from Arab parties or attempt to build a broader coalition with other Jewish parties, though some of his allies oppose cooperation with Arab factions.
Netanyahu Calls for Unity Amid Accusations
Shortly before President Herzog's announcement, Benjamin Netanyahu appealed for a "national unity government" and cautioned against "hastily swearing in a government with terrorist supporters," a clear reference to the possibility of Arab-led parties supporting Eisenkot. Netanyahu and his allies have frequently portrayed these parties as threats to national security and have made unsubstantiated allegations of election irregularities.
Eisenkot's Yashar party rejected Netanyahu's appeal, urging Likud to sever ties with what it termed "radical parties." The opposition party affirmed that any government led by Eisenkot would only include lawmakers who adhere to its stated principles. Deep disagreements persist between the two leaders, including on issues like military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men and demands for a formal investigation into the failures surrounding the October 7 attacks.
Gadi Eisenkot's appointment does not immediately remove Netanyahu from office. Should Eisenkot fail to secure a parliamentary majority, another candidate could be given the opportunity to form a government.