Netanyahu or Eisenkot? Israel's election leaves Herzog with an impossible choice - comment

As the first exit polls rolled in on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party appeared to lead, with Gadi Eisenkot's opposition coalition holding the majority of seats. This unexpected result left President Isaac Herzog facing a complex decision, as neither candidate could secure the 61 seats required to form a governing majority.

Netanyahu might argue that Likud's position as the largest party gives him the edge, while Eisenkot could counter by emphasizing his larger bloc and the coalition-building potential. The opposition bloc, projected at 53 seats, is still behind Netanyahu's 50, but the outcome could hinge on whether the parties opposing Netanyahu can unite behind a common candidate.

Herzog, a seasoned politician, understands the intricacies of coalition-building and the political landscape he faces. The president, who previously led the Labor Party and served as opposition leader, will have to weigh the merits of appointing a seasoned leader or someone from the largest bloc, amid a backdrop of political tensions and a desire for change among Israeli voters.

Regardless of his decision, millions of Israelis will undoubtedly feel that their preferred candidate was overlooked in the selection of Israel's next government.