Netanyahu rival Eisenkot gets presidential mandate to form Israel’s next government

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has tasked former military chief Gadi Eisenkot with forming the country’s next government after he secured more parliamentary endorsements than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a deadlocked election.

Factions representing 67 members of the Knesset recommended Eisenkot for the task, compared with 46 who backed Netanyahu, according to a statement from Herzog’s office. Seven lawmakers did not recommend either candidate.

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, is seeking to remain in office after his religious-nationalist coalition lost its parliamentary majority in the October 27 election, although it emerged as the largest bloc.

Eisenkot, who leads the Yashar party, has declined to join forces with Arab parties despite their support for his bid. Arab leaders nominated him in opposition to Netanyahu and his far-right allies.

“Now is the time to form a national emergency government. I will do everything to ensure we are worthy,” Eisenkot wrote on X after the announcement.

Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension. His options include seeking outside support from Arab parties, negotiating with ultra-Orthodox parties or forming a unity government with Netanyahu.

If he fails, another candidate may be given the opportunity. If no government is formed within the stipulated period, another election will be held.