Israeli opposition leader Eisenkot begins the hard work of forging a coalition government

President Isaac Herzog has tasked former military chief Gadi Eisenkot with attempting to form a new coalition government. According to ABC News AU, the President met with representatives of all political parties that won seats to ask for endorsements for either Eisenkot or incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot received backing from 67 of the 120 seats in the Knesset, including all anti-Netanyahu parties and two Arab-Israeli parties, while Netanyahu secured 46 seats. The United Torah Judaism party did not endorse either candidate.

France 24 reports that Eisenkot faces an uphill struggle due to a lack of a clear majority among the country's divided minor parties. Middle East Eye reports that Herzog gave Eisenkot six weeks to form a government, and Haaretz notes he has until February 26 before the Knesset dissolves for another election. Eisenkot stated that any party joining his national emergency government must commit to recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization and destroying its military and governing capabilities.

Ajel English reports that Ahmed Tibi said the Joint List supports Eisenkot as prime minister to prioritize security for Arab towns. Additionally, Haaretz reports that sources say the President may push for a unity government with Netanyahu if Eisenkot fails.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, ABC News AU, Haaretz, Middle East Eye, Ajel English — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.