Eisenkot gets chance to form Israeli government after vote
The ex-general has up to six weeks to try to form a coalition, failing which the task likely reverts to caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli election challenger Gadi Eisenkot was granted the initial opportunity to assemble a new government, bringing him one step closer to potentially ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prolonged reign. Eisenkot officially received the mandate on Sunday from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who highlighted the "immense" challenges confronting the nation.
Eisenkot will be granted six weeks to attempt the formation of a coalition that secures the majority of Israel's 120 parliamentary seats. Should he fail in this endeavor, the responsibility would likely revert back to Netanyahu, who presently governs in a caretaker role. Although neither contender's political faction emerged with a clear parliamentary majority in the Oct.
27 vote, Eisenkot's nomination received support from a majority of parties. The centrist ex-general declared he was already engaging in negotiations to assemble what he described as a "national emergency government" aimed at removing Netanyahu, whose hard-right coalition has entangled Israel in conflict and deepened international isolation.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
