Israel’s president taps opposition candidate Eisenkot to form a government, in setback for Netanyahu

President Isaac Herzog has tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel’s next government following the inconclusive October 27 election. Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff and leader of the Yashar party, will receive his formal mandate at an official ceremony at the president's residence in Jerusalem on Sunday. This decision comes after Herzog conducted consultations with all parties to assess who had the best chance of forming a coalition.

The task presents significant challenges as no single side secured a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Free Malaysia Today reports that Eisenkot was recommended by parties representing 67 lawmakers, whereas Netanyahu's bloc received 46 recommendations. According to KahawaTungu, these recommendations for Eisenkot included 19 members from Arab parties.

While Hindustan Times - World News reports Eisenkot's opposition bloc won 48 seats and Netanyahu's camp secured 53, KahawaTungu notes that United Torah Judaism, a traditional Netanyahu ally, declined to recommend the prime minister during consultations.

Eisenkot has up to 28 days to build a government, with a possible extension of up to 14 days, according to Hindustan Times - World News. KahawaTungu states he will have up to six weeks to attempt to assemble a coalition. If successful, the 66-year-old Eisenkot would replace Benjamin Netanyahu, the country's longest-serving premier.

Brief written by urgent.news from CNBC, Free Malaysia Today, Hindustan Times - World News, KahawaTungu, The Hill — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.