Israeli Pres. Herzog Taps Eisenkot to Form Govt. in Netanyahu Setback
President Isaac Herzog designated former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot to attempt to form Israel’s next government, marking a setback for Benjamin Netanyahu two weeks after elections. Eisenkot’s four-party bloc holds 48 seats against Netanyahu’s 53, well short of a majority, giving him a narrow 28-day window (extendable by 14) to assemble a coalition that can survive a confidence vote. Support from Arab parties Ra’am and the Joint List underpins Eisenkot’s bid, while Netanyahu warns that any government reliant on those parties would threaten security, urging a national unity alternative. The effort faces friction within Eisenkot’s bloc and broader political splits over issues like recognizing Hamas, military service, and the role of ultra-Orthodox parties. If Eisenkot fails, Herzog could offer Netanyahu another chance, prolonging a political deadlock that has defined Israeli coalition politics in recent years.
Dive Deeper:
Herzog announced that Gadi Eisenkot would be given the first opportunity to form the next Israeli government, positioning the opposition leader to challenge Netanyahu after the elections and signaling a formal transition phase in the country’s power dynamics.
Eisenkot’s ‘change bloc’ has 48 seats across four parties, while Netanyahu’s outgoing coalition controls 53, leaving neither side with a majority and implying a difficult coalition-building process that could drag on for weeks.
Eisenkot will receive the mandate and start a 28-day period to form a government, with the president having the option to extend by up to 14 days, during which coalition negotiations will be intensified and strategic compromises considered.
Arab party support is pivotal: Ra’am and the Joint List backed Eisenkot with 19 lawmakers, marking a notable shift in potential realignment, though neither group has committed to joining his government or guaranteeing stability.
Netanyahu warned that a government dependent on Arab-party support would be unable to effectively confront Hamas and other security threats, calling for a national unity government that includes Likud and other Zionist parties.
Eisenkot’s conditions include recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, endorsing the Declaration of Independence, and mandating universal service, as he seeks broader legitimacy beyond his bloc’s current pledges.
Internal bloc tensions loom: some members who campaigned against working with Arab or ultra-Orthodox parties face potential pressure to reconsider, while others demand minimum thresholds of support and oppose minority governments.