Eisenkot Tapped to Form Israeli Government, Calls for Unity

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, officially received the mandate to form the next Israeli government from President Isaac Herzog on Sunday evening. Eisenkot secured the recommendation of 67 Knesset members, surpassing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 46 recommendations. During the ceremony, Eisenkot declared that Israel is at a critical juncture and stressed the need for a national emergency government, which he stated would require "creative and unusual political steps." He emphasized a new approach to governance that ensures the inclusion of all Israelis, stating, "The days when Israelis felt excluded by their government must end." Eisenkot extended an invitation to parties from the right, including Likud and Religious Zionism, to join his government if they genuinely believe in unity, urging them to support his leadership and principles. He acknowledged that forming a government would necessitate political compromises, with no one able to fulfill all prior promises. Eisenkot indirectly criticized Netanyahu, warning that those who obstruct government formation for personal reasons will be remembered for failing to save Israel during its emergency.

President Herzog explained that his decision to task Eisenkot was based on parliamentary consultations and Eisenkot's perceived greater chance of forming a government, despite Likud being the largest party. Herzog called for a stable government and urged national unity amidst significant security, political, and internal challenges, including the Iranian threat, negotiations with Lebanon, conscription issues, crime, and the aftermath of the October 7th attacks.

Eisenkot's mandate comes amid complex coalition negotiations. His recommendations came from Yisrael Beiteinu, Hatnuah, the Democrats, Yisrael Beiteinu, the Joint List, and the United Arab List. Netanyahu's recommendations were from Likud, Religious Zionism, Otzma Yehudit, and Shas, while United Torah Judaism abstained. Key challenges for Eisenkot include potential cooperation with Arab parties, the Haredi parties' stance on conscription, internal divisions within the "change bloc," and disagreements with Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu. Lieberman has reportedly expressed opposition to a government reliant on Arab party support, with sources close to Eisenkot accusing him of obstructing coalition efforts due to "personal whims." Eisenkot is scheduled to meet Lieberman on Monday.

Netanyahu had previously called for a national unity government of "national and Zionist parties," warning against a government dependent on parties he accused of supporting Hamas. Eisenkot responded by demanding Likud break its alliance with "extremist" parties and accept his four principles to join a government under his leadership. Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension.