Herzog can secure his presidential legacy by bringing Netanyahu and Eisenkot together - opinion

In the current political climate, with the demonization of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by the Left, a broad Israeli government of repair is essential. This government should ideally consist of two major rival parties, such as the one led by Yair Lapid, Gadi Eisenkot, and/or Naftali Bennett. The challenge for President Isaac Herzog is to persuade both the Left and Right factions to abandon their separatist and extremist dreams of establishing a one-sided government reliant on haredi or Arab parties.

Herzog, a former leader of the Labor Party, faces pressure to mandate and approve a narrow Eisenkot government based on an alliance with anti-Israel Islamists or anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox Jews. However, the president must resist these demands and work towards a coalition that includes Netanyahu, despite his exclusion from such a government.

The hard Left in Israel demands that Herzog brandish his "bully pulpit" to legitimize a government that embraces figures like Mansour Abbas and Prof. Yousef Jabareen, or alternatively Yakov Asher and Yitzhak Goldknopf. They believe that terminating Netanyahu is the higher goal, justifying any and everything.

Herzog must resist these pressures and work towards a broad Zionist government, actively intervening in the political process beyond his usual consultative role. He should declare that he will only give the mandate to form a government to a party leader committed to unity as their priority. Herzog should also tackle issues such as Netanyahu's future, good governance, and the aftermath of the October 7 disaster.

Although the Israeli president typically does not have the powers to interpose themselves in the political process, extraordinary times call for unique measures and gutsy leadership. Herzog should buck convention and play hardball, using his authority to strong-arm Netanyahu and Eisenkot into cooperation. This unique opportunity for Herzog to make a substantial difference in Israel's political life should not be missed.