Israeli President Isaac Herzog has nominated opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form a new government following a parliamentary election that left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition short of a majority.
Gatekeepers News reports that Herzog announced the decision on Saturday after consultations with political parties represented in the country’s parliament, the Knesset.
According to TheCable, the president selected Eisenkot after 67 lawmakers recommended him for the mandate, compared with 46 who backed Netanyahu, while seven lawmakers did not endorse either candidate.
The decision followed the October 27 general election, which produced no clear parliamentary majority for either of the two major political blocs.
Netanyahu’s right-wing and religious coalition secured 53 seats in the 120-member parliament, while Eisenkot’s opposition alliance won 48 seats, leaving both short of the 61 required to form a government.
Two Arab-led political parties, which secured a combined 19 seats, endorsed Eisenkot during consultations with the president, strengthening his position in the government formation process.
Eisenkot, a former Israeli military chief of staff who served between 2015 and 2019, is expected to receive the mandate at a formal ceremony at the presidential residence in Jerusalem.
Following his nomination, Eisenkot said he was committed to establishing a national emergency government.
“This is the time to establish a national emergency government. I will do anything possible to prove us worthy,” he wrote on X.
He will have 28 days to secure the support of at least 61 lawmakers and form a government. The president may grant him an additional 14 days if necessary.
However, his path to power remains uncertain as he has ruled out a formal coalition with Arab-led parties, despite their support during the consultations.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu has called for a national unity government involving his Likud party and Eisenkot’s opposition alliance, warning against an administration dependent on Arab-led parties.
