Gadi Eisenkot Tapped to Form Israeli Government, Calls for National Unity

Gadi Eisenkot, president of the Yashar party, officially received the mandate to form Israel's next government from President Isaac Herzog on Sunday. During a ceremony at the presidential residence in Jerusalem, Eisenkot called for the formation of a national emergency government, emphasizing that the current critical situation would necessitate unusual political compromises, even on pre-election promises. As a former Chief of Staff of the IDF, Eisenkot has 28 days to assemble a parliamentary majority, with a possible 14-day extension. His appointment follows consultations where 67 Knesset members recommended him, compared to 46 for Benjamin Netanyahu. The seven members of United Torah Judaism supported neither candidate. President Herzog highlighted the significant challenges facing the incoming government, including the Iranian threat, the future of Gaza, negotiations with Lebanon, and relations with the United States. Domestically, he stressed the need to address the issue of military service for the ultra-Orthodox, meet the IDF's needs, and preserve the balance between democratic institutions. Urging politicians to set aside differences, Herzog called on Eisenkot to form a stable government representing all citizens. Eisenkot acknowledged the weight of his responsibility, describing Israel as facing simultaneous security, diplomatic, and political crises and deeming a change in direction essential. He stated that "Israel is going through a critical and perilous emergency period" and called for restoring public trust in leadership. Eisenkot stressed the need to move beyond traditional partisan politics, announcing that "unexpected measures will be necessary, including on the political level." He plans to invite all parliamentary groups to join, provided they accept four core principles: the Jewish and democratic character of Israel, respect for the Declaration of Independence, universal military or national service, and recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization to be dismantled. Eisenkot specifically addressed Likud and Religious Zionism members, stating they have a place in his government if they adhere to these principles. This initiative comes as Netanyahu also called for a national unity government but opposed a coalition dependent on Arab parties. Eisenkot faces a considerable challenge, as the 67 recommending lawmakers do not guarantee a stable majority. Internal party disagreements, particularly regarding the inclusion of Arab parties or potential alliances with Orthodox parties, complicate negotiations. Eisenkot warned that politicians who obstruct the government's formation for personal reasons would be remembered as failing to save Israel during its crisis.