Israel's President Isaac Herzog has officially designated opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot as the individual to form the country's next government. This decision, announced late Saturday after days of consultations with elected parties, marks a significant development and a setback for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose Likud party did not secure a parliamentary majority in the recent election.
Eisenkot, a former army chief, will have up to six weeks to negotiate with potential coalition partners. However, forming a government in Israel's complex political landscape is challenging, as a coalition requires at least 61 seats in the 120-member Knesset. Neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot's bloc achieved this majority on their own in the election.
Herzog's choice of Eisenkot was influenced by the indication that Arab-led parties, which won 19 seats, are prepared to support him. This support could be crucial, though it presents political difficulties due to historical precedents and differing policy stances on issues such as the wars in Gaza and the West Bank, and settlement expansion.
Eisenkot faces several potential paths to forming a government. One option is a power-sharing agreement with Netanyahu, though the feasibility of such a coalition is uncertain. Another path involves securing the support of Arab-led parties, a move that faces internal opposition within Eisenkot's bloc. A third option could be an agreement with ultra-Orthodox parties, which typically demand exemptions from mandatory military service, a policy that has become increasingly controversial, especially during periods of conflict.
Netanyahu has claimed the election was compromised by Arab parties, allegations that Israeli authorities, including the Shin Bet security agency, are investigating. However, the Central Elections Commission and President Herzog have stated the vote was valid and that any potential irregularities did not significantly impact the outcome.
Netanyahu has called for a "national unity" government, but it remains unclear if a power-sharing arrangement between the two rivals can be reached. The Joint List, an Arab-led party, has pledged to support Eisenkot from outside the coalition to facilitate Netanyahu's removal from power. Ra’am, another Arab party that previously joined a coalition in 2021, has also stated its support for Eisenkot.
Eisenkot has outlined conditions for potential Arab party coalition partners, including recognition of Israel as a Jewish state and designating Hamas as a terrorist organization. Some parties within Eisenkot's potential coalition, such as Yisrael Beytenu, have already declared they would not join a government that includes Arab-led parties. The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism has indicated a willingness to cooperate with Eisenkot, signaling potential flexibility on the military service issue.
Eisenkot is set to officially receive the mandate on Sunday. If he fails to form a government within the allotted time, Netanyahu may be given an opportunity to try. Should both fail, Israel could face another election in the spring.