Netanjahu vor dem Aus?: Ex-Militär Eisenkot soll Regierung in Israel bilden

Israeli President Isaac Herzog officially tasked opposition politician Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government, following recent parliamentary elections. Though Eisenkot's center-right Joint List trailed behind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, he secured the most recommendations from parties during consultations for government formation.

Herzog granted Eisenkot the mandate to assemble a government during a meeting in Jerusalem. However, the formation of a coalition remains uncertain as conflicts and red lines between political camps persist. Eisenkot was given 28 days to form a coalition, with the possibility of extending it by up to 14 days. If Eisenkot fails, Herzog can appoint another candidate, leaving him 28 more days to act.

Netanyahu, who received 27 mandates in the October 27 election, is warning opposition parties against forming a national unity government, which he claims would destroy Israel from within. Netanyahu's warning sparked criticism from Eisenkot, who called it a "cheap propaganda ploy." Eisenkot believes a national emergency government should be formed, aiming to prevent another election round and push Netanyahu from power.

His four core principles for such a government include Israel being a Jewish and democratic state, respecting the values of the Declaration of Independence, implementing a universal service obligation for all citizens, and classifying Hamas as a terrorist organization. If Eisenkot can secure support from four parties, his opposition coalition would have 48 out of 120 Knesset seats, needing 13 more votes to form a majority.

Potential allies could come from the two Arab parties, United List and Raam, which together have 19 mandates. However, domestic opposition within the coalition poses challenges, with ultra-orthodox parties United Torah Judaism and Shas holding 13 seats, favoring Netanyahu. Alternative scenarios include a Likud-led coalition without Netanyahu or a coalition excluding Netanyahu.