Eisenkot Tapped to Form Government Amid Coalition Challenges
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Gadi Eisenkot will receive the mandate to form Israel's government with support from 67 Knesset members. President Isaac Herzog made the decision after consultations, but Eisenkot faces significant coalition challenges. Key obstacles include opposition to external Arab support from Avigdor Lieberman and the need to secure backing from Haredi parties. Eisenkot has until December 6 to form a government, with potential for a 14-day extension.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot will receive the mandate to form Israel's government with 67 Knesset member recommendations.
- President Isaac Herzog announced the decision after consultations on Saturday evening.
- Eisenkot has until December 6 to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension.
- Avigdor Lieberman opposes a government reliant on external Arab support.
- Securing support from Haredi parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism remains a major hurdle.
- Benjamin Netanyahu is calling for a unity government, but no breakthrough is apparent.
Gadi Eisenkot is set to receive the mandate to form Israel's next government after securing the support of 67 Knesset members. President Isaac Herzog announced his decision on Saturday evening following consultations, where 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot compared to 46 for Benjamin Netanyahu. Seven members of United Torah Judaism abstained from making a recommendation.
The path to a coalition, however, is fraught with obstacles. Eisenkot has until December 6 to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension. The recommendations do not obligate the supporting parties to vote for the government in the Knesset. The Joint List has stated it does not seek to join the government or coalition and has not committed to voting for Eisenkot's government, leaving open the possibility of external support.
Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, opposes a government reliant on external support. He believes the election results necessitate compromise to prevent further elections and end Netanyahu's tenure. Lieberman has proposed examining conscription arrangements based on previous frameworks, including a 2018 bill he advanced, but indicated that adjustments are needed following the October 7 attacks and increased IDF personnel requirements. He has not yet presented an updated bill or detailed his required adjustments.
The coalition arithmetic presents a significant challenge. The 'Change Bloc' parties hold 48 mandates. Adding United Torah Judaism's seven mandates would bring the total to 55. Only the addition of Shas's six mandates would allow for a minimal majority of 61. However, Shas recommended Netanyahu, and the Haredi parties have not yet decided on joining an Eisenkot-led government. Even an agreement in principle to begin negotiations would require resolving the dispute over the conscription of yeshiva students.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu continues his efforts, calling for a unity government. This possibility hinges on agreements regarding the prime minister's identity, government composition, and foundational principles, with no breakthrough apparent at this stage. Eisenkot's mandate is backed by 67 recommendations, but forming a government will require consensus among parties still divided on its very formation.
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