Former Israeli military chief and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has secured the backing of a majority of lawmakers to become the country's next prime minister, putting him ahead of incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu in the latest round of political consultations following Israel's recent parliamentary elections.
Eisenkot received recommendations from lawmakers representing 67 of the 120 members of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, compared with 46 who backed Netanyahu. The outcome marks a significant development in the country's government formation process, although Eisenkot is yet to receive the official mandate to form the next government.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to announce on Sunday, November 8, which lawmaker will be given the first opportunity to form a new government.
Eisenkot emerges ahead of Netanyahu
The recommendations followed consultations between Herzog and representatives of political parties elected to the 26th Knesset. The discussions concluded on November 5, with Eisenkot emerging as the candidate with the highest number of parliamentary endorsements.
Eisenkot, who leads the Yashar party, has received support from several opposition parties, including Yisrael Beytenu, the Democrats, Ra'am and the Joint List. The backing of the Arab-led parties helped him secure the support of 67 lawmakers.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, received recommendations from factions representing 46 lawmakers. The seven remaining lawmakers did not recommend either candidate, leaving Eisenkot with a 21-member lead in the consultations.
Herzog says coalition arithmetic remains uncertain
Despite Eisenkot securing more recommendations, Herzog has cautioned against interpreting the figures as a guarantee that he will be able to form the next government.
At the conclusion of the consultations, the Israeli president said that his responsibility was to determine which lawmaker had the ability to assemble a governing coalition. He pointed to mutual disagreements and political vetoes between parties within both camps, making the prospects of forming a stable government uncertain.
Herzog said he would hold further discussions with political leaders before making his decision, adding that he intended to appoint a candidate to form the government on Sunday.
Challenges ahead in forming a government
Eisenkot's parliamentary backing does not automatically translate into a viable governing majority. Although the 67 recommendations give him the support of more than half the incoming parliament, the parties endorsing him have not necessarily committed to joining his government.
The opposition camp remains divided over the extent of cooperation with Arab-led parties. While Ra'am and the Joint List have recommended Eisenkot, disagreements over their potential participation in a governing coalition could complicate negotiations.
Eisenkot's main challenge will therefore be to secure the support required to reach the 61-seat majority needed to establish a government in the 120-member Knesset.
Netanyahu, whose coalition failed to secure a clear parliamentary majority, could also explore alternative arrangements, including negotiations with opposition parties.
The coming days are expected to be crucial for Israel's political future, with Herzog's decision on Sunday set to determine who gets the first opportunity to negotiate with parties and attempt to form the country's next government.