In brief
On Saturday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot would be tasked with building a new government, following consultations with parliamentary parties. Eisenkot has pledged to form a national emergency coalition and must secure a majority within 28 days. He faces challenges from opposition divisions and the need for Arab and ultra‑Orthodox party support.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on Saturday that he had tasked Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government, giving the former IDF chief 28 days to assemble a majority coalition.
According to Xinhua, Eisenkot was backed by 48 lawmakers from four opposition‑bloc parties plus 19 representatives of Arab‑led parties, totaling 67 endorsements. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received 46 endorsements, while the seven members of United Torah Judaism declined to endorse either candidate.
Analysts note that Eisenkot faces a difficult path to the 61‑seat majority required, citing divisions within the opposition over cooperation with Arab parties and disagreements with the two ultra‑Orthodox parties that hold 13 seats.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, called for a national unity government, warning against a coalition that relies on Arab parties and accusing them of seeking Israel’s destruction. He urged the inclusion of all current governing parties and “all the Zionist parties that want to protect our country.”
Protesters gathered at Habima Square in Tel Aviv calling for unity and a new government through cooperation between Jewish and Arab parties.
After the announcement, Eisenkot posted on X, "This is the time to establish a national emergency government," signalling his intent to move quickly.
If Eisenkot fails to form a majority, Herzog may appoint a different candidate or confront parliamentary members who can request the president to entrust the mandate to another choice. In the worst case, the parliament would be dissolved and new elections held, as the Israeli constitution allows.
