Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government after a deadlock in Israel's election left neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot with a clear majority. Eisenkot's bloc secured 48 seats, while Netanyahu's camp won 53, necessitating a coalition. Herzog will grant Eisenkot 28 days to secure 61 votes, with a 14-day extension possible if needed.
Eisenkot, leader of the centrist Yashar party, will have 28 days to form a government, with potential support from Arab parties and ultra-Orthodox factions. Arab lists secured 19 seats, but none of the Jewish parties agreed to work with them. Herzog has broad discretion in selecting the government leader, prioritizing stability over majority seats.
The move follows a precedent where Netanyahu and Gantz formed a power-sharing government in 2020. Eisenkot faces challenges in uniting Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties, though he has endorsements from Arab lists. If Eisenkot fails, Herzog will offer the mandate to another candidate, potentially leading to fresh elections.
Eisenkot, a former military chief, opposes the creation of a Palestinian state and has vowed to end Hamas's rule in Gaza. His approach contrasts with Netanyahu's, who has focused on right-wing consolidation. The election results highlight the complexity of forming a stable government in Israel, with no party holding an outright majority.