Eisenkot Gets 28 Days to Form Israel Government
The former military chief was tasked with building a coalition after a fragmented election left neither major faction with a majority.
By Pedro Barnes ·
Gadi Eisenkot received the formal mandate on Sunday to construct a new Israeli government, following a parliamentary election that produced no clear victor. President Isaac Herzog issued the tasking during a ceremony at his official residence in Jerusalem. Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and former chief of the Israel Defense Forces, now has 28 days to assemble a ruling coalition. The timeframe includes a potential 14 day extension if the initial period expires without a result.
Herzog cited the outcome of consultations with all factions elected to the Knesset in justifying his decision. According to the president's office, a bloc of 67 members of the Knesset indicated support for Eisenkot. In contrast, 46 members backed incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party. The two largest contenders failed to secure the 61 seats required for a majority in the October 27 elections.
Herzog stated that the discussions were conducted with openness and candor. He noted that the talks revealed the disputes and painful points within Israeli society and politics. "These conversations were conducted with openness, candor, and transparency, and they represented the essential nature of the democratic process," Herzog said. He described the interactions as frank and pointed, addressing the central issues facing the country.
The president emphasized that Eisenkot has received the clear and unequivocal support of a majority of Knesset members. The key question was who has the better chance of forming a government that can win a confidence vote. "In light of this, and following talks I have held with various figures in recent days, it is therefore evident that Mr. Eisenkot has received the clear and unequivocal support of a majority of members of Knesset on the most central question: who has the better chance of forming the next government that will win the confidence of the Knesset," Herzog said.
Security concerns and the ongoing conflict with Iran dominated the recent election campaign. Questions regarding Netanyahu's management of the war in Gaza also played a central role in voter decisions. Herzog stated that the state needs a stable government capable of meeting these immense challenges over time. He called for unity and described the situation as a moment to strive for the best and most stable government possible for the people of Israel.
Shortly after the announcement, Eisenkot shared a photo of himself shaking hands with Herzog on social media. He accompanied the image with a statement calling for the formation of a national emergency government. "Now is the time to form a national emergency government. I will do everything to ensure we prove ourselves worthy," Eisenkot wrote. Prior to the president's announcement, Netanyahu posted a video urging the creation of a national unity government.
