Israel's president picks Eisenkot over Netanyahu to try to form new government

Israeli President Isaac Herzog appointed opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to attempt forming a new government following an inconclusive election. Eisenkot, a former military chief, will have 28 days to build a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension. Netanyahu's right-wing bloc secured 53 seats in the 27 October election, falling short of the 61 needed for a majority, though it remains the largest group in parliament.

The opposition alliance led by Eisenkot won 48 seats, while Arab-led parties secured 19 seats. Both Arab-led parties supported Eisenkot during consultations with Herzog, giving him a potential decisive role in coalition talks. United Torah Judaism, which previously backed Netanyahu, did not recommend him this time. The Joint List stated their decision was aimed at stopping Netanyahu and his government from returning to power, seeking to widen Eisenkot's lead.

While Eisenkot's bloc has not formally allied with the Arab-led parties, they have opened the door to a partnership with ultra-Orthodox parties. Netanyahu warned that a government relying on Islamists would destroy Israel from within, accusing Arab-led parties of receiving foreign funding. He has also renewed his call for a national unity government of Zionist parties.