Israeli President Isaac Herzog has appointed opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot as the primary candidate to form the country's next government, following an inconclusive national election. Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, secured the endorsements of 67 Knesset members, surpassing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who received backing from 46 lawmakers.
Herzog announced his decision on November 7, with the formal presentation of the mandate scheduled for November 8. Eisenkot will have 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension, to assemble a coalition. This move could signal a significant shift away from Netanyahu's long tenure in power, but the path forward is fraught with challenges due to deep disagreements among the parties seeking to replace him.
The endorsements for Eisenkot came from a diverse group, including two Arab-led parties, the Joint List and Ra'am, which together hold 19 seats. However, their support presents a dilemma for some potential coalition partners who have previously ruled out relying on Arab parties to form a government.
Eisenkot has outlined a plan to establish a National Emergency Government, initially based on four parties committed to replacing Netanyahu. His proposed platform includes recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, adherence to the values of the Declaration of Independence, universal military or national service, and designating Hamas as a terrorist organization with the goal of dismantling its capabilities.
However, significant divisions persist within the bloc aiming to unseat Netanyahu. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beitenu party, has indicated a willingness to compromise on the contentious issue of military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews, a stance that has historically hindered cooperation with religious parties. Lieberman has stated that ending the Netanyahu era and avoiding another election requires political compromises, including on the military draft law.
Despite this potential flexibility, the conscription dispute remains a major obstacle. Ultra-Orthodox parties advocate for exemptions for yeshiva students, while Eisenkot and his partners support expanding the military service obligation. Even if the United Torah Judaism party joins Eisenkot's potential coalition, it would still fall short of the 61 seats needed for an outright majority. The Shas party, with six seats, has endorsed Netanyahu.
Netanyahu remains the caretaker prime minister as negotiations continue. He has also raised concerns about alleged fraud in the election, though Israel's Central Elections Committee has stated that the election's integrity was not compromised.
The success of Eisenkot's mandate hinges on his ability to bridge these deep domestic divides and forge a stable governing coalition. Failure to do so could lead to further political deadlock and potentially another election.