Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to formally hand Yashar Party leader Gadi Eisenkot the mandate to form the next government on Sunday at 5 pm local time (8:30 pm IST), after the former military chief secured the backing of 67 lawmakers during consultations with political parties.
Eisenkot received recommendations from a majority of members in the 120-seat Knesset, while 46 lawmakers backed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the Likud party. The seven-member United Torah Judaism faction did not recommend either candidate.
Herzog announced his decision after holding discussions with representatives of all political parties during the week, followed by further conversations with senior political leaders. He had also met Netanyahu and Eisenkot before deciding whom to invite to form the government.
The decision marks a setback for Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, whose coalition lost its parliamentary majority in the October 27 election despite remaining the largest bloc. Netanyahu has called for a national unity government as he seeks to retain power.
Coalition arithmetic presents challenge for Eisenkot
Although Eisenkot secured the highest number of recommendations, he still faces the difficult task of assembling a coalition that can command the support of at least 61 lawmakers in the Knesset.
The election left Netanyahu's right-wing and religious bloc with 53 seats, while the opposition alliance led by Eisenkot secured 48. Arab-led parties won a combined 19 seats, giving them a potentially decisive role in government formation.
Eisenkot has ruled out bringing Arab parties into his governing coalition, even though their support helped him secure the largest number of recommendations. Their backing from outside the government, however, could prove crucial if he seeks to form a minority administration.
Arab political leaders, who have opposed what they describe as the discriminatory policies of Netanyahu and his far-right allies, recommended Eisenkot as the first candidate to be given the opportunity to form the government.
Netanyahu has sought to prevent such an arrangement. He has accused Arab parties of having “stolen” the election and warned against a government that depends on their support.
In a video message shortly before Herzog's announcement, Netanyahu renewed his appeal for a national unity government. He also cautioned against “hastily swearing in a government with terrorist supporters”, a phrase he has used to refer to Arab-led parties.
Three possible routes to government formation
Eisenkot has several options as he attempts to secure a parliamentary majority. He could form a minority government with Arab parties providing support on crucial votes, negotiate an arrangement with ultra-Orthodox parties or explore a broad unity government with Netanyahu.
An agreement with the ultra-Orthodox parties could help him reach the required numbers, although Eisenkot and his allies have previously avoided such an arrangement. The seven-member United Torah Judaism faction did not recommend either candidate during Herzog's consultations.
A unity government involving Likud is another possibility, although Eisenkot has repeatedly said he would not join a coalition with Netanyahu. On Saturday night, Yashar said that Likud and its allies could join a government led by Eisenkot, but did not extend the offer to Netanyahu himself.
The Times of Israel reported that Eisenkot had maintained his opposition to joining a government led by the incumbent prime minister.
Eisenkot will have 28 days to form a government after receiving the mandate. Herzog can grant him an extension of up to 14 additional days if he needs more time.
What happens if Eisenkot fails?
If Eisenkot is unable to put together a government within the stipulated period, another candidate could be given an opportunity to form one. Should that attempt also fail, members of the Knesset can nominate another lawmaker to take up the task.
The overall process could extend to around 100 days. If no candidate succeeds in forming a government, Israel will have to hold fresh elections.
The country has faced repeated political deadlocks in recent years, going to the polls five times between 2019 and 2022 before the latest election.
The October 27 vote took place against the backdrop of deep political divisions following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, and three years of conflict in Gaza and other parts of the region.
Opposition seeks change in Knesset leadership
Meanwhile, four opposition parties have called for the Knesset to elect a new Speaker during its first sitting on Tuesday, November 10.
The move could lead to the removal of incumbent Speaker Amir Ohana, a member of Netanyahu's Likud party.
Ohana has said he will not permit a vote on the matter during the new Parliament's first session. However, he has indicated that he would schedule a debate on selecting his successor within the following week if a majority of lawmakers formally requested one.
The proposed change in parliamentary leadership could become another test of the balance of power between the rival political blocs as negotiations over Israel's next government get under way.