Image Source: The New York Times
Israeli elections Netanyahu developments took a dramatic turn on Saturday after President Isaac Herzog selected Gadi Eisenkot, one of Benjamin Netanyahu’s strongest political rivals, to try to form Israel’s next government.
The decision follows a deadlocked election that left neither major bloc with a parliamentary majority. Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist coalition lost its governing majority in the vote held on 27 October, although it remained the largest grouping in the Knesset.
Israeli Elections Netanyahu Rival Receives Critical Mandate
Herzog’s office said the president had informed Eisenkot of his intention to task him with forming a government. The formal appointment is expected to take place during an official ceremony at the president’s residence in Jerusalem on Sunday.
Eisenkot, 66, responded by calling for a national emergency government. “Now is the time to form a national emergency government. I will do everything to ensure we are worthy,” he wrote on X, according to the Guardian’s report.
The mandate gives the former military chief of staff an opportunity to end Netanyahu’s long tenure as prime minister. Netanyahu is Israel’s longest-serving premier and has remained the central figure in the country’s politics despite losing his coalition’s majority.
A Tight Knesset Split Creates High-Stakes Talks
The arithmetic in parliament makes the coalition negotiations especially difficult. Eisenkot’s broad opposition bloc won 48 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, while Netanyahu’s camp secured 53. Neither side has the 61 seats required to govern independently.
During consultations with Herzog, Eisenkot received endorsements from both Arab-majority lists. Their gains have given them an influential position in the government-formation process, potentially making them kingmakers in negotiations.
However, it remains uncertain whether Eisenkot’s bloc will accept formal support or parliamentary backing from the Arab parties. That question could determine whether he can assemble a stable coalition or whether Israel faces another period of political uncertainty.
- Eisenkot’s bloc holds 48 seats.
- Netanyahu’s camp holds 53 seats.
- A majority requires 61 seats in the 120-member Knesset.
- Both Arab-majority lists endorsed Eisenkot during consultations.
Eisenkot Promises Unity but Takes a Hard Line on Security
Eisenkot has presented himself as a figure capable of bringing Israelis together after what he describes as a divisive period under Netanyahu. His political message focuses on national unity, institutional stability and a tougher response to extremist violence in the West Bank.
He has accused the government of allowing attacks by extremist settlers against Palestinians to continue with impunity. Eisenkot has described recent incidents as “Jewish terror” and argued that such violence has been enabled by Netanyahu’s political leadership.
His security positions, however, are far from dovish. Eisenkot opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state and has pledged to end Hamas rule in Gaza and destroy the group’s military wing.
His military background is central to his public identity. Eisenkot served as Israel’s chief of staff from 2015 to 2019 and commanded the military during the 2006 war with Hezbollah. He was also associated with the so-called “Dahiya doctrine”, which involves the use of overwhelming force against civilian infrastructure in areas controlled by Hezbollah.
What Happens Next in Israel’s Government Formation?
Eisenkot now faces a short and challenging period of coalition talks. He must persuade rival opposition parties to work together while deciding whether Arab lawmakers can play a formal role in supporting a government.
If he succeeds, Eisenkot would replace Netanyahu and lead a government formed around a broad alliance of parties with differing positions on security, religion, Palestinian statehood and domestic policy. Such a coalition could be powerful enough to unseat Netanyahu but vulnerable to internal disagreements.
If Eisenkot fails, Herzog could turn to another candidate or Israel could face renewed political instability. The result of the Israeli elections has therefore opened a decisive chapter in the country’s political future, with the outcome likely to affect the government’s approach to Gaza, the West Bank and relations between Jewish and Arab citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was chosen to form Israel’s next government?
President Isaac Herzog chose Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and a major rival of Benjamin Netanyahu, to attempt to form a coalition.
Why did Benjamin Netanyahu lose the mandate?
Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist coalition lost its majority in the 27 October election. His camp remained the largest bloc but did not secure enough seats to govern alone.
How many seats does Eisenkot’s bloc control?
Eisenkot’s opposition bloc won 48 of the Knesset’s 120 seats. A coalition needs at least 61 seats to hold a majority.
Could Arab parties influence the new government?
Yes. Both Arab-majority lists endorsed Eisenkot during consultations with the president, potentially giving them a significant role in coalition negotiations.
