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Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Saturday tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government, giving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’s main challenger the first opportunity to assemble a coalition after the October 27 election produced no clear parliamentary majority. Eisenkot, a former military chief and head of the Yashar party, secured the backing of representatives from parties accounting for 67 lawmakers during consultations with Herzog. Netanyahu, whose Likud party emerged as the largest in parliament with 27 seats, received recommendations from factions representing 46 lawmakers. His broader bloc holds 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while Eisenkot’s opposition bloc has 48. A majority requires 61 seats. One option is a minority government backed by the two Arab-led parties, Ra’am and the Joint List, which together hold 19 seats. Herzog’s decision gives Eisenkot 28 days to negotiate a coalition, with a possible two-week extension.
The announcement came shortly after Netanyahu called for a “national unity government” in a video statement, urging the formation of an alliance among Zionist political factions. He also warned against “hastily swearing in a government with terrorist supporters” — an apparent reference to the Arab-led parties. He said such a government would “permanently remove the nuclear threat from Iran, preserve Israel as a Jewish state, and bring unity among us,” according to Al Jazeera. Democratic Party chairman Yair Golan said, “Netanyahu’s government must be replaced, and a government of salvation and change must be formed to safeguard Israel’s democracy, security, and future.
The opposition rejected the appeal. We are committed to making every effort to make this happen,” he posted on X. Eisenkot’s path to power, however, remains complicated. Both have indicated willingness to support an alternative government, but several of Eisenkot’s potential partners have ruled out relying on Arab parties. If he fails, Netanyahu could be given an opportunity to form a government. Should successive attempts prove unsuccessful, Israel could face another election, prolonging the political uncertainty.