Israel's President Taps Eisenkot to Form Government Amidst Coalition Scenarios
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government after he secured the support of 67 Knesset members. Eisenkot has 28 days to form a coalition, with potential scenarios including Shas or support from Arab and ultra-Orthodox factions. Outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed a government reliant on Arab parties. New elections are considered the worst-case outcome.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- President Herzog tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel's government after securing 67 Knesset recommendations.
- Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with options including Shas or Arab and ultra-Orthodox party support.
- Netanyahu opposed a government reliant on Arab parties, citing terrorism and Jewish state concerns.
- Three Knesset members are identified as potential obstacles to a minority government formation.
- Eisenkot's party will lead the Knesset's Organizational Committee, impacting parliamentary work.
- New elections are viewed as the least desirable outcome by Eisenkot's associates.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on Saturday evening, November 7, that he has tasked Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yesh Atid" party, with forming the next government. This decision followed consultations with parliamentary factions and negotiations, including with outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot's candidacy was recommended by 67 Knesset members, while Netanyahu received 46 recommendations. The ultra-Orthodox party "Yahadut HaTorah" did not recommend any candidate.
The official mandate transfer is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, at 5:00 PM at the presidential residence in Jerusalem. Eisenkot will then have 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension.
Sources within the right-wing bloc anticipate Eisenkot may attempt to form a minority government this week. According to Channel 14, two main scenarios are being considered: a coalition including the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, or a government relying on the support of Arab factions and "Yahadut HaTorah" without Avigdor Lieberman. Eisenkot's team has reportedly prepared for both possibilities, ruling out a national unity government with Netanyahu.
However, three Knesset members, Yonatan Shalev of "Be-Yachad," and Inbar Giti and Eliyasafe Peretz of "Yesh Atid", are seen by the right as potential obstacles to a minority government dependent on Arab or ultra-Orthodox parties. Right-wing politicians plan to increase pressure on them.
Eisenkot had previously indicated a willingness to cooperate with "Likud" but set strict conditions: "Likud" could join an Eisenkot-led cabinet only after severing ties with what "Yesh Atid" deems extremist parties, accepting Eisenkot's four principles, and agreeing to his leadership. Netanyahu opposed a government reliant on Arab parties, whom he accused of supporting terrorism, stating such a government would not effectively combat Hamas, preserve Israel as a Jewish state, or counter the Iranian threat.
Avigdor Lieberman's recent statements about potential compromises on religion and state issues could also play a role, with speculation he might demand a rotation in the prime minister's post for coalition participation.
Beyond government formation, Eisenkot's party will head the Knesset's Organizational Committee, influencing parliamentary work and committee formations, potentially shifting the balance of power even if a coalition isn't formed. If Eisenkot fails to secure a vote of confidence, the mandate returns to the president, who can assign it to another lawmaker. Sources close to Eisenkot view new elections as the worst possible outcome.
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