Eisenkot tasked with forming Israeli government, calls for unity and Hamas defeat

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has appointed Gadi Eisenkot to form a new government, emphasizing the urgent need for unity among political factions and the complete destruction of Hamas. Eisenkot, in his role as the new prime minister-designate, stressed that forming a government in Israel is one of the most challenging tasks since the country's inception, given the complex political landscape.

He made it clear that any party seeking to join his cabinet must acknowledge Hamas as a terrorist organization, a condition he sees as non-negotiable for national security. Eisenkot urged Likud and Religious Zionism parties, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, to align with his vision of unity, stating that there is no reason for them to oppose a government based on the principles he outlined.

The appointment comes amid political uncertainty in Israel, compounded by the recent US elections where Republicans lost their congressional majority, highlighting the delicate balance the new government must navigate.