By George Omagbemi
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suffered a major political setback after President Isaac Herzog chose opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form a new government following a deadlocked general election.
Herzog announced the decision on Saturday, 7 November, after consulting political parties represented in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Eisenkot, a former military chief and leader of the Yashar party, is expected to formally receive the mandate at a ceremony at the president’s residence on Sunday.
According to the president’s office, political factions representing 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot, while 46 backed Netanyahu. Seven lawmakers declined to support either candidate.
The 27 October election failed to give either major political bloc the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority in the 120-member Knesset. Netanyahu’s right-wing and religious coalition won 53 seats, while Eisenkot’s four-party alliance secured 48.
The support of Arab-led parties, which made significant gains in the election, could prove decisive in Eisenkot’s efforts to form a government. However, disagreements within his alliance over cooperation with those parties could complicate the negotiations.
Eisenkot has 28 days to assemble a governing coalition, with the possibility of a further 14-day extension. He has described the development as an opportunity to establish a national emergency government.
Netanyahu, who has served several terms as prime minister, has called for a unity government while warning against the formation of an administration dependent on Arab-led parties.
If Eisenkot fails to secure the necessary parliamentary support, another candidate may be given the opportunity to form a government. Continued failure could eventually trigger another election.
Although Herzog’s decision gives Eisenkot the first opportunity to negotiate a new governing arrangement, Netanyahu will remain prime minister until a new government is successfully formed.
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