President Herzog to Task Eisenkot with Forming Government After 67 Recommendations

Following consultations with all parties that passed the electoral threshold, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on November 8 that he would task Gadi Eisenkot, head of the National Unity Party, with forming the next government. Eisenkot secured 67 recommendations from Knesset members, significantly more than Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who received 46. The National Unity Party, Yahad, Democrats, Yisrael Beiteinu, and the Arab parties United List and Ra'am recommended Eisenkot. Yahad HaTorah did not recommend anyone. Representatives from the National Unity Party emphasized the urgency of forming a government, citing the country's critical situation and the need to restore honesty and responsibility. They argued that tasking Eisenkot would be a step towards saving Israel and fulfilling the mandate of the 67 voters who supported his bloc. "We are in a critical emergency situation and must form an emergency government as soon as possible," stated Yoram Cohen, a party representative, adding that Netanyahu's interim premiership was unacceptable. Shaul Meridor highlighted the desire to return Israel to its core values and warned of potential international sanctions if the government doesn't change, referencing events in the US. He also criticized Netanyahu's rhetoric, calling it a "very bad path for Israel."

The Likud party, represented by Yoav Kish, recommended Netanyahu, arguing that a government dependent on parties that "deny the Jewish state" cannot face the nation's challenges. Kish criticized the Arab parties, calling them "illegitimate" and stating they "dedicate their victory to the residents of Gaza," a statement President Herzog interrupted, cautioning against generalizations. Likud representatives also stressed the need for a broad government, warning that a "narrow government will not survive." Miri Regev echoed these concerns, calling the situation an "existential danger" and referencing potential sanctions from Europe and the US. She also addressed the investigation into the October 7th events, stating her daughter's experience at the Nova festival underscored the need for a state inquiry.

Other parties also presented their recommendations. Naftali Bennett's Yamina party recommended Eisenkot, emphasizing the need for a government to address the post-catastrophe situation and restore national unity. They outlined principles including Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, security, and a state commission of inquiry. Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas also recommended Eisenkot, calling the formation of a government a "matter of saving lives" and urging its swift establishment. Abbas noted that his party had faced political persecution and called for an investigation into alleged foreign interference in the elections. He also expressed a desire for Orthodox parties to be represented in the future government. President Herzog raised concerns about the lack of women in leadership positions, with representatives promising greater female inclusion in decision-making roles.