Eisenkot Selected to Form Government
Israeli President Isaac Herzog designated Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot to form a new government on Saturday, following an October 27 election deadlock that stripped Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of his parliamentary majority.
Herzog announced his decision after consultations with political parties, giving Eisenkot 28 days to build a governing coalition, with a potential 14-day extension available if needed.
Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist coalition dropped from 64 seats in 2022 to 53 seats, leaving his bloc eight seats short of the 61-seat majority required in the 120-member Knesset. Eisenkot’s centrist opposition bloc secured 48 seats, positioning the former military chief of staff as the primary challenger to Israel’s longest-serving premier.
“Now is the time to form a national emergency government. I will do everything to ensure we are worthy,” Eisenkot wrote in a post on X.
Kingmakers shift anti-Netanyahu bloc’s leverage
Eisenkot faces deep ideological divisions within the opposition as he attempts to gather 61 supporting lawmakers. His four-party bloc includes his own Yashar party, Yair Golan’s Democrats, Naftali Bennett’s party, and Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu, which together control 48 seats.
Two Arab-led alliances—Ra’am and the Joint List—won a combined 19 seats in the election, making them potential kingmakers. Both Arab lists endorsed Eisenkot during presidential consultations, lifting the broader anti-Netanyahu camp to 67 recommended lawmakers, though it remains unclear whether Eisenkot’s bloc would accept their support in forming a government.
Alternative Paths to Power
If Eisenkot cannot unite his Zionist opposition bloc with external backing, he faces several narrow paths to a majority. He could negotiate with ultra-Orthodox parties such as United Torah Judaism, which holds 7 seats, though doing so would require compromises over military conscription exemptions that Eisenkot and Lieberman have long criticized.
Alternatively, Netanyahu’s Likud party remains the largest individual faction with 27 seats, and prolonged deadlock could prompt negotiations for a unity government or force Israel into fresh elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if Gadi Eisenkot fails to form a government within 28 days?
If Eisenkot fails to build a coalition within his initial 28-day window, President Isaac Herzog can grant a 14-day extension. If no administration emerges after that period, the mandate could pass to another candidate or trigger fresh parliamentary elections.
How did Arab-led parties influence the post-election negotiations?
Ra’am and the Joint List won an unprecedented 19 seats in the October 27 election and endorsed Eisenkot during presidential consultations, giving his camp a total of 67 recommendations. However, the exact nature of their parliamentary backing remains open, as it is unclear whether Eisenkot’s bloc would accept their support.
What role do ultra-Orthodox parties play in the current political deadlock?
United Torah Judaism holds 7 seats and remains a crucial swing factor for both Eisenkot and Netanyahu in reaching a 61-seat majority, particularly given long-standing disputes over exemptions from compulsory military service.
Earlier coverage: Israel: Gadi Eisenkot Tasked with Forming New Government After Election Stalemate
More on Gadi Eisenkot
Keep reading