Israel hands Eisenkot first chance to build government and sideline Netanyahu

Jerusalem, November 8 - In a significant move following the recent election, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has handed former military chief and political newcomer Gadi Eisenkot the opportunity to form the next government, signaling a potential shift away from the prolonged rule of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The opposition bloc led by Eisenkot, a newcomer to politics with a focus on appealing to secular and liberal Israelis, has signaled openness to a unity government with ultra-Orthodox Jews, which could bolster their coalition prospects.

After consultations with all parties, Herzog intends to grant Eisenkot the first chance to form a government, following the October 27 elections where no side secured a majority. The formal appointment ceremony is set for Sunday at Herzog's residence in Jerusalem. Eisenkot, backed by 67 lawmakers, has pledged to "do everything" to form a new government and was recommended by parties representing a diverse range of Israelis, including members of Israel's Arab minority and right-leaning opposition members wary of relying on Arab votes.

While Herzog has expressed interest in a national unity government, pressure for such an arrangement may intensify if Netanyahu pursues threats to resume hostilities with Iran. Netanyahu, embroiled in corruption charges and an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, has called for a unity government but opposition leaders remain steadfast in their demand to remove him first.

In his initial reaction to the announcement, Eisenkot emphasized the urgency of forming a government and pledged to ensure its legitimacy, while opposition members have expressed reservations depending on Eisenkot's reliance on Israeli-Arab votes.