President Taps Eisenkot to Form Government Amid National Emergency

President Isaac Herzog has tasked Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, with forming the next government. The president formally handed Eisenkot the mandate at the President's Residence on Sunday, following consultations with all parties elected to the 26th Knesset. Herzog emphasized the immense challenges facing Israel, including threats from Iran, the need for a political horizon in the region, advancing a 20-point plan for Gaza, and negotiations with Lebanon and other neighbors. He also highlighted domestic issues such as military conscription, inter-branch relations, strengthening democracy, combating crime especially in the Arab community, bolstering the Israeli economy, and healing the "wound of October 7th."

Herzog called for a stable government capable of addressing these issues and urged for unity, stating, "This is the time to extend a hand, to do everything for the unity of the people, and to strive for a government that is as good and stable as possible for the people of Israel, who yearn for it." He specifically asked Eisenkot to form a government that serves all citizens, regardless of their political support, and to act with wisdom, sensitivity, and caution.

Upon receiving the mandate, Eisenkot declared, "We are in a state of emergency, before a point of no return for the State of Israel. We must establish a national emergency government." He noted that 74 Knesset members no longer trust the outgoing government and its leader, stating, "This is the public's voice, this is the people's decision. We must do everything to honor it and fulfill it." Eisenkot announced his intention to invite all Knesset factions to join a national emergency government based on four core principles: recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, accepting the values of the Declaration of Independence, mandatory service for all (military, national, or civilian) to strengthen the IDF, and recognizing Hamas as a terror organization committed to its destruction.

Eisenkot directly appealed to the Likud and Religious Zionism parties, questioning why they would not support his government if they truly believe it is a time for unity. He warned against personal motives hindering the formation of the government, stating that those who try to sabotage it will be remembered in history as those who did not save Israel in a time of emergency. He expressed confidence that his partners understand the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a new government.