Israel president taps Eisenkot to form new government

President Isaac Herzog announced on Saturday that Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot has been tasked with forming Israel's next government following an inconclusive election. Eisenkot, a former military chief and political newcomer, is expected to formally receive the mandate at the President's Residence in Jerusalem on Sunday. According to the Jerusalem Post, Eisenkot has 28 days to form a coalition, with the possibility of a 14-day extension granted by the president.

The election held on October 27 left neither Eisenkot nor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a clear path to power. Middle East Eye reports that Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc won 53 seats, falling short of the 61 needed for a majority, while the opposition alliance led by Eisenkot won 48 seats. Arab-led parties, which secured 19 seats, backed Eisenkot during consultations with the president.

The South China Morning Post notes that while Netanyahu has called for a national unity government, he warned against swearing in a government with terrorist supporters. Eisenkot has indicated a willingness to partner with Arab-led parties provided certain conditions are met, including calling Hamas a terrorist group that must be destroyed.

Brief written by urgent.news from Al-Monitor, Jerusalem Post, Middle East Eye, Sky News, South China Morning Post — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.