Netanyahu rival Eisenkot seeks 'wide' government but path to power uncertain

Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot announced on Sunday his intention to form a wide government as swiftly as possible following the recent election deadlock that failed to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli President Isaac Herzog granted Eisenkot the initial chance to attempt the formation of a new government on Saturday, after the October 27 election left both Eisenkot and Netanyahu lacking the majority required to govern.

At a meeting at Herzog's residence, Eisenkot officially received the responsibility on Sunday, signalling the start of what he described as an "extraordinarily complex" process.

Eisenkot emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the nation was in a state of emergency, with Israel potentially reaching a "point of no return." He called for the creation of a national emergency government, acknowledging the need for innovative and unconventional political measures. The former military leader emphasized that this would be a challenging endeavor, given the fragile state of Israeli democracy and the numerous pressing issues the country faces.

Herzog acknowledged the gravity of the moment, citing external threats from Iran, the necessity of progress towards peace in Gaza, and ongoing negotiations with Lebanon as some of the challenges Israel currently confronts. However, the path to power for Eisenkot remains uncertain in the wake of the inconclusive election, which did not result in a decisive victory for either Eisenkot or Netanyahu.