Israel's President to Tap Next Prime Minister on Sunday

Despite the clear numerical advantage for Eisenkot, President Herzog emphasized that recommendations alone do not guarantee the ability to form a government. He cited political complexities, internal party disagreements, and mutual disqualifications between and within blocs that make it unclear who can secure the necessary majority. To assess who has a realistic chance of assembling a stable coalition, Herzog plans to hold direct, personal meetings with party leaders before making his final decision.

Eisenkot's party celebrated the 67 recommendations as a public vote for change and the highest support for a candidate since 2015, urging the president to grant him the mandate swiftly to establish a national emergency government. However, Eisenkot faces significant challenges in translating this support into a workable coalition. While Jewish-led and Arab-led parties backed him, several Jewish parties refuse to partner with Arab parties. Meanwhile, Likud warned against a government dependent on Arab parties and advocated for a broad unity government.