Gadi Eisenkot is positioned as the top candidate to spearhead the change bloc in Israel’s Knesset. (Pic Credit: ANI)
Eisenkot is currently considered the leading contender for the role. Eisenkot is scheduled to hold talks with Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman on Monday to discuss the parliamentary leadership position, according to Israeli news outlet N12.
Eisenkot has 28 days to form the government. President Herzog can grant him an additional extension of up to 14 days if necessary. Earlier reporting noted: Eisenkot formally received the mandate to form the new government on Sunday after securing recommendations from 67 members of the 120-member Knesset during consultations with political factions.
In a post on X, Eisenkot said, ‘Israel needs a new government. president Herzog said Eisenkot had secured the ‘clear and unequivocal support’ of a majority of Knesset members and was the candidate with the strongest prospects of forming the next government While handing over the mandate. The two leaders will discuss who should chair the bloc in the Knesset, according to the report.
After receiving the mandate, Eisenkot called for a new political chapter centred on ‘Zionism, solidarity, and friendship’. He also pledged to form a broad-based national emergency government capable of addressing Israel’s security, diplomatic and domestic challenges. However, disagreements have surfaced between Eisenkot and Lieberman over the proposed government’s composition, particularly the possibility of depending on Arab-led parties for parliamentary support. Lieberman has categorically opposed backing a minority government that relies on Arab-led parties, a position that could create further hurdles for Eisenkot as he attempts to build a governing coalition. His support included lawmakers from Yashar, Together, The Democrats, Yisrael Beiteinu and Arab-led parties.
Earlier reporting noted: The meeting comes amid ongoing political negotiations in Israel following Eisenkot’s receipt of the mandate from President Isaac Herzog to form the country’s next government. The meeting with Lieberman is expected to take place a day before the new Knesset is sworn in on Tuesday. Earlier reporting noted: According to Israel’s N21, Eisenkot is scheduled to meet Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman on Monday to discuss the parliamentary leadership position, with Eisenkot himself emerging as the most likely candidate for the post.
The two leaders are expected to discuss, who should head the Change Bloc in the Knesset, according to news agency ANI. The proposed meeting comes amid ongoing political consultations following president Isaac Herzog’s decision to entrust Eisenkot with the task of forming Israel’s next government.