Israeli president taps ex-general Gadi Eisenkot, opponent of Netanyahu, to form government

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has appointed ex-general Gadi Eisenkot to form the next Israeli government, marking a significant step in the ongoing effort to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As the centrist Yashar party's former leader who won 67 seats in the October 27 election, Eisenkot will have up to six weeks to assemble a coalition.

However, his path to power is complicated by political obstacles and divisions within the opposition. President Herzog's decision to endorse Eisenkot came after consultations with all Knesset-elected parties. While Eisenkot secured the backing of 67 members, including 19 from Arab parties, Netanyahu received only 46 recommendations.

Despite this mandate, Netanyahu remains in power as Eisenkot has yet to form a governing coalition. Eisenkot aims to create a "national emergency government" comprising opposition parties, recognizing Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal, and egalitarian state, and committing to universal service. However, he faces challenges from Avigdor Liberman, who opposes any government dependent on Arab parties, and the ultra-Orthodox parties, who demand universal military service.

If Eisenkot succeeds in forming a government, he will need to negotiate with other parties over Cabinet posts, budgets, and policies within 28 days, with potential extensions.