Israel's new parliament to be sworn in as leaders compete to form government
Summary
Israel’s new Knesset is being sworn in as Gadi Eisenkot tries to form a government and replace caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot has 28 days, with a possible two-week extension, but his bloc lacks a majority and potential partners disagree over military service, Arab-party support and other conditions.Key Facts
- Eisenkot received the backing of 67 members of the 120-seat Knesset, compared with 46 for Netanyahu.
- Eisenkot’s four-party bloc won 48 seats in last month’s election, while Netanyahu’s bloc won 53.
- The two Arab-led alliances won 19 seats combined, a record for them.
- Eisenkot proposed a government based on four principles, including mandatory service and dismantling Hamas’s military and governing capabilities.
- Ultra-Orthodox parties United Torah Judaism and Shas, which hold 13 seats combined, oppose changes to military-service exemptions.
- The United Arab List has said it is willing to join an Eisenkot-led coalition; the Joint List has offered outside parliamentary support.
- Avigdor Lieberman has refused to join a minority government that depends on Arab lawmakers.
- Netanyahu will remain caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
