Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government, marking a shift from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. Netanyahu won the legislative elections but failed to secure a majority, leading to the current political stalemate. Eisenkot, leader of the Yesh Atid party, is now expected to propose a government within 28 days.
The Israeli parliament, Knesset, saw Netanyahu’s coalition secure 46 seats, while the opposition bloc, including Arab parties, holds 67 seats. This majority allows Eisenkot to attempt forming a government without Netanyahu’s involvement. Arab parties, which gained 19 seats, have offered their support to Eisenkot, increasing his chances of success.
Netanyahu, still serving as interim prime minister, has called for a national unity government, warning that an opposition-led government with Arab parties could threaten Israel’s survival. His coalition, however, lacks the necessary majority to govern independently. Eisenkot’s task is to negotiate support from other parties to form a stable government.
This political transition follows a tense election period marked by Netanyahu’s alliance with far-right parties, which drew criticism from Arab leaders. The new government formation is seen as a critical moment for Israeli politics, with Eisenkot’s success hinging on his ability to build a broad coalition.
