Israeli president picks Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu rival, to try to form government

On Saturday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog selected Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief and long-time rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to attempt forming a new government following a recent election deadlock. Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, is striving to retain power despite his coalition losing its majority in the October 27 election.

Eisenkot, who declined to form a government with Arab parties, was nominated first by Arab leaders due to his opposition to Netanyahu's policies. The presidential spokesperson announced that Eisenkot would be invited to the President's Residence to form the government the following day.

Eisenkot now has 28 days to form a government, with a potential extension of 14 days. He can pursue a minority government with Arab backing, a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties, or a unity government with Netanyahu. However, analysts believe all three options are unlikely to succeed.

If Eisenkot fails to form a government, another candidate can attempt it, followed by the parliament nominating another candidate within a 100-day deadline. If no one succeeds, a new election will be held. With 27 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, Likud is the largest party, but Netanyahu's coalition totals only 53 seats, falling short of the required 61-seat majority. As a member of the Mizrahi community, Eisenkot would be the first Israeli prime minister from Middle Eastern or North African descent.