Eisenkot given tough task of forming Israeli government to replace Netanyahu

Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot is set to assume the challenging role of forming a new government to replace long-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A political newcomer, Eisenkot, 66, who aims to mend Israel's deep divisions left by Netanyahu, is expected to meet President Isaac Herzog to receive a mandate to form a government within 28 days.

Born to a family of Moroccan immigrants, Eisenkot would make history as Israel's first Sephardic prime minister. Netanyahu, who has led the nation on and off for the past two decades and oversaw operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran since October 7, 2023, lost support in the recent election, leaving no single party with a clear majority.

Eisenkot received recommendations from 67 lawmakers, while Netanyahu garnered backing from 46 lawmakers. However, the vote included Israeli Arabs, whose seats surged as they expressed anger over Netanyahu's government, which includes far-right factions. Eisenkot is reportedly open to an alliance with ultra-Orthodox Jews, whose main demand is exemption from military service, but insists on no partnership with Israeli Arabs.

Ultra-Orthodox party leader Naftali Bennet shares opposition to the ultra-Orthodox exemption and remains silent on the matter. Eisenkot has called for a "national emergency" government to remove Netanyahu, accusing him of being a threat to democratic Israel. The new government may need to rely on support from Israeli-Arab parties to function, making negotiations on laws a challenging endeavor.