Israel's president formally gives Eisenkot the first chance to form the next government
Summary
Israeli President Isaac Herzog gave opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot six weeks to try to form a government after an election left no bloc with a parliamentary majority. Eisenkot must negotiate with potential partners, including Arab-led parties, while facing disagreements over military-service exemptions and other coalition terms.Key Facts
- The Oct. 27 election produced no clear majority in the 120-seat Knesset, where a government needs at least 61 seats.
- Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 seats, Eisenkot’s opposition bloc won 48, and Arab-led parties won 19.
- Eisenkot has six weeks to form a government.
- Eisenkot said coalition partners must support Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, military or national service, and recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization.
- Potential paths include a power-sharing deal with Netanyahu, support from Arab-led parties, or an agreement with ultra-Orthodox parties.
- Eisenkot and his partners campaigned to end long-standing military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men.
- Netanyahu has claimed the election was stolen by Arab parties but has offered little evidence; election officials and Herzog said the vote was valid.
- Israel’s Shin Bet security agency is investigating possible foreign interference, while officials said any wrongdoing found did not significantly affect the result.
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