Israel’s President asks Gadi Eisenkot, not Netanyahu, to form the next government

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has asked Gadi Eisenkot, a former army chief and a leading opponent of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to try to form the next government, a setback for Mr. Netanyahu after the 27 October election.

Mr. Herzog made his choice on 7 November after consultations in which 67 members of the 120-seat Knesset, Israel’s parliament, recommended Mr. Eisenkot. Only 46 named Mr. Netanyahu. Mr. Eisenkot now has 28 days, which the President can extend by 14, to build a coalition backed by at least 61 members.

That is where it gets difficult. The 67 who backed him include members of Arab-led parties, and neither camp can reach a majority without some Arab support. Mr. Eisenkot has said he does not want Arab-led parties in his government and has set four principles that any partner must accept, among them treating Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Avigdor Lieberman, whose Yisrael Beiteinu party belongs to the anti-Netanyahu camp, has been the main obstacle to any arrangement that depends on Arab parties.

One possible way out is a minority government. Mr. Eisenkot could take office with fewer than 61 seats if he wins a confidence vote in the Knesset, for instance with some members abstaining. He has said he wants to be sworn in quickly.

Mr. Netanyahu stays in office until a new government is sworn in. He has called for a “national unity government” and warned against rushing into a government that, in his words, relies on supporters of terrorism.

Who is Gadi Eisenkot

Mr. Eisenkot led the Israel Defense Forces from 2015 to 2019. After the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023 he joined the emergency war cabinet as an observer, and left it in 2024. Mr. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister, has led the country through the war in Gaza.

What’s next

If Mr. Eisenkot cannot form a government in the time allowed, Mr. Netanyahu is likely to get his chance. If both fail, Israel could be headed for another election.