Israel’s President Picks Gadi Eisenkot to Form Government After Deadlocked Election

The update

President Isaac Herzog has informed Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and a former military chief, of his intention to task him with forming Israel’s next government. Herzog’s office said the formal appointment will take place on Sunday at the president’s residence in Jerusalem. Eisenkot will then have 28 days to try to build a coalition.

Why it matters

The decision follows the October 27 election, in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition lost its majority while remaining the largest bloc in parliament. Neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor the grouping led by Eisenkot secured the 61 seats needed to govern, leaving the Knesset deadlocked since the vote. Most parties that won seats endorsed Eisenkot in talks with Herzog, and Arab party leaders nominated him, even though Eisenkot’s grouping has so far refused to join forces with Arab parties that could provide a majority.

What to watch

Eisenkot must now persuade parties still deeply opposed to working with each other to join or support a government. Without Arab parties, he would need support from ultra-Orthodox parties previously aligned with Netanyahu. If he cannot assemble a majority in time, the mandate could pass to another candidate or Israel could face further stalemate.

Sources

• theguardian.com — confirms Herzog informed Eisenkot of the mandate and Sunday’s formal appointment
• abc.net.au — confirms most parties endorsed Eisenkot, the Sunday ceremony and his 28 days to form a coalition

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