Israel's President Taps Gadi Eisenkot to Form New Government
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
President Isaac Herzog has officially tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel's next government, following recommendations from 67 Knesset members. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the move, warning against a government dependent on "supporters of terror." Eisenkot responded by accusing Netanyahu of undermining unity and invited him to join a government under his leadership. Other political leaders, like Yair Golan, have begun outlining their conditions for coalition building, while Avigdor Lieberman expressed flexibility on the conscription law.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- President Isaac Herzog officially tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel's next government.
- Sixty-seven Knesset members recommended Gadi Eisenkot to form the government.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the potential formation of a government reliant on "supporters of terror."
- Gadi Eisenkot invited Netanyahu to dissolve alliances with extremists and join his government.
- Yair Golan outlined conditions for an alternative coalition, including issues of religion and state.
- Avigdor Lieberman expressed flexibility on the conscription law, acknowledging new political realities.
President Isaac Herzog officially announced Saturday evening that he is tasking Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yash" party, with forming the next government. Eisenkot is scheduled to formally receive the mandate at the President's Residence on Sunday at 5:00 PM. The announcement followed consultations where 67 Knesset members recommended Eisenkot, while 46 recommended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and seven members recommended no one.
During recent days, President Herzog engaged in in-depth discussions with various political figures, including Netanyahu and Eisenkot, informing them of his intention. Upon receiving the mandate, Eisenkot will have 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension granted by the President.
Earlier, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated in a recorded message that "this is a time for unity" and that "the will of the people and the need of the hour" demand it. He warned against the formation of a government reliant on "supporters of terror" who "seek to annihilate Israel," arguing such a government would be "dependent on Hamas supporters" and unable to combat Iran's nuclear threat or protect soldiers in Gaza and Lebanon. Netanyahu called for a national unity government including all "national and Zionist parties" to safeguard Israel's Jewish character and remove the Iranian threat.
In response, Gadi Eisenkot criticized Netanyahu's calls for unity, suggesting they came only as his tenure was ending. Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of systematically undermining unity, even during the war, and of failing to uphold agreements, citing the appointment of Itamar Ben-Gvir as a senior minister. Eisenkot invited Netanyahu to publicly dissolve alliances with extremists and accept his principles to join a government under Eisenkot's leadership.
Meanwhile, Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, outlined his conditions for an alternative coalition, reaching out to Haredi parties. He stressed the need to replace Netanyahu's government with a "government of salvation and change" that ensures Israel's democratic future and security. Golan stated his party would not provide a blank check, demanding readiness for changes and mutual responsibility, proposing meetings in Ramat Gan rather than Bnei Brak or Mea Shearim. He also set red lines on religion and state issues, emphasizing freedom of choice for the secular public, including the ability to enjoy leisure activities and public transportation on Shabbat.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, indicated a willingness to compromise on the conscription law, acknowledging that election results necessitate a reassessment of options.
Mentioned
