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 66-year-old former IDF chief of staff and leader of the Yashar party, will formally receive the mandate at the President’s Residence on Sunday. According to Hindustan Times - World News, he will have 28 days to build a government with a possible 14-day extension. KahawaTungu reports he will have up to six weeks to attempt to assemble a coalition.

The decision follows consultations with political parties to determine who has the best chance of forming a coalition. Free Malaysia Today reports that Eisenkot was recommended by parties representing 67 lawmakers, while Netanyahu’s bloc received 46 recommendations. KahawaTungu notes that United Torah Judaism, a traditional Netanyahu ally, declined to recommend him.

The path to forming a government remains complex. Hindustan Times - World News reports that Eisenkot's opposition bloc won 48 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while Netanyahu's camp secured 53, and Arab-led parties won 19 seats. Free Malaysia Today states that Eisenkot's opposition bloc has opened the door to a possible alliance with ultra-Orthodox Jews to reach the required numbers.

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