The president of Israel tasks Gadi Eisenkot to form the new government

JerusalemThe President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, has tasked Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and main political rival of Benjamin Netanyahu, with the formation of a new government. The decision was announced this Saturday after days of consultations with the country's various political forces. Eisenkot, former Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, has received the support of 67 of the 120 deputies of the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament. In contrast, 46 parliamentarians recommended that Netanyahu remain at the head of the government, while an ultra-orthodox formation with seven seats chose not to support any candidate.

The decision comes after the elections of last October 27th, which left a blocked political scene. Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition lost its parliamentary majority, despite remaining the largest bloc in the chamber. In this way, the prime minister, who is the leader who has held the position for the longest time in Israel's history, sees his continuity in power at risk.

Eisenkot's candidacy, however, will also have to overcome significant obstacles. The bloc opposed to Netanyahu has so far refused to make pacts with Arab parties, even though their support could be decisive in achieving a parliamentary majority. Even so, the Arab representatives have also recommended Eisenkot during talks with the president, amidst unrest over the policies of Netanyahu and his far-right allies.

Herzog has summoned Eisenkot to the presidential residence tomorrow at five in the afternoon to formalize the mandate. From that moment on, the leader will have 28 days to attempt to form a government. If he needs more time, the president may grant him an extension of up to 14 additional days. The result of these negotiations will be decisive for the political future of Israel and to determine if Netanyahu will have to leave power following his parliamentary defeat.