Eisenkot tasked with forming new government in Israel

Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot assumed the role of forming a new government on Sunday, following his receipt of a mandate from President Isaac Herzog. Eisenkot, a political newcomer, explicitly warned of the dire state of Israel under current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The 66-year-old stated that Israel is in a state of emergency and on the brink of a point of no return. Eisenkot, who previously traded his usual all-black attire for a suit and tie during the ceremony at the presidential office, emphasized the need for creative and unconventional political steps to navigate the current crisis.

Eisenkot, who is expected to be the first Sephardic prime minister, highlighted Israel's growing isolation under Netanyahu, who has led the country on a sharply rightward trajectory and has overseen wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Both Herzog and Eisenkot acknowledged this isolation, with Eisenkot further noting that even Israel's closest allies are considering reassessing their relationships with the country.

Appealing to Israel's Likud Party and the far-right party of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Eisenkot insisted that he would be the sole prime minister if they joined the coalition. He extended his hand to all parties willing to acknowledge the gravity of the moment.

In consultations with Herzog, Eisenkot received recommendations from parties representing 67 lawmakers, against 46 for Netanyahu. However, this vote count included Israeli Arabs, whose seat haul surged due to anger over Netanyahu's government, and whom several parties oppose having in government.

Eisenkot's negotiations also included Avigdor Liberman, a former Netanyahu aide turned sharp critic who now shares hawkish views. Liberman, however, has voiced openness to an alliance with ultra-Orthodox Jews, whose priority is ensuring they remain exempt from military service. This exemption, a signature campaign pledge of Eisenkot's, has become a source of growing resentment among many Israelis as reservists fight multiple tours of duty.

Naftali Bennett, the second-strongest opposition leader, has been outspoken against the ultra-Orthodox community's military exemption and has remained silent since Liberman's about-face. Eisenkot has suggested that he might start with a minority government, relying on outside votes from Arab-Israeli parties, before bringing other lawmakers into his coalition.

Political expert Assaf Shapira from the Israel Democracy Institute noted that Eisenkot's government, even with 48 lawmakers in the 120-member parliament, would be exceptionally fragile, requiring extensive negotiations on every piece of legislation. Despite his efforts, Eisenkot has largely backed Netanyahu's war decisions, including a war in Iran, while vowing to end violence against Palestinians by extremist West Bank settlers.

Tel Aviv resident Neri Bar-On, who works in educational technology, expressed cautious optimism, stating that Eisenkot might succeed in forming a government, but warned that the underlying issues within the country remain deeply entrenched.