Israeli President Isaac Herzog has formally tasked opposition politician Gadi Eisenkot with forming the country's next government, marking a significant step in the effort to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The move comes after elections in a nation still reeling from the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks and subsequent conflicts.
Eisenkot now has up to six weeks to assemble a coalition, a challenging task as neither his bloc nor Netanyahu's secured a clear parliamentary majority. Herzog stated that a majority of Knesset members supported giving Eisenkot this mandate.
Eisenkot pledged to lead a government that is trustworthy, acts in the public interest, and represents all segments of society. "An absolute majority of Knesset members representing the Israeli public support change," he said, expressing commitment to a "Jewish, equal, liberal, and secure Israel."
Potential kingmakers include Arab-led parties, which saw significant gains in the recent election. While one Arab party, Ra’am, has agreed to support Eisenkot, it lacks sufficient seats for a majority. The Joint List party has offered external support to end Netanyahu's tenure, but significant ideological differences remain.
Eisenkot has set conditions for potential coalition partners, including recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, acceptance of its declaration of independence, support for equal military or national service, and designation of Hamas as a terrorist group. It is unclear if Arab parties will meet these demands.
Netanyahu has questioned the election's validity and warned against alliances with Arab parties. However, Israel's Shin Bet security agency is investigating foreign interference, and election officials have stated the vote was valid and its results largely unaffected.
Eisenkot faces other potential coalition partners, including ultra-Orthodox parties that seek to maintain military exemptions for their community—a stance opposed by Eisenkot's bloc. The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism has indicated openness to cooperating with Eisenkot.
If Eisenkot fails to form a government within the allotted time, Netanyahu may be given the opportunity. Failure by both could lead to new elections.
Meanwhile, Israel continues military engagement in Gaza and Lebanon, and faces unresolved tensions with Iran. Both Eisenkot and Herzog have acknowledged these ongoing challenges, as well as shifts in the political landscape in the United States, referencing potential impacts on support for Israel.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, suggested that Netanyahu and Eisenkot hold similar policy views and have both expressed support for him.