Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the country's next government, giving him the first opportunity to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after elections left both political blocs short of a parliamentary majority. The decision, announced earlier than expected, puts Arab-led parties in a pivotal position as potential kingmakers in coalition negotiations, while Netanyahu seeks to prevent his rival from assembling a government with their support, according to reports [1][2][3].
The move follows elections in which Netanyahu and his allies lost their majority but Eisenkot’s bloc also fell short, leaving Arab-led parties as potential kingmakers, according to the report [1].
The decision, announced a day earlier than expected, dealt a setback to Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving premier, whose bloc finished 14 seats short of his rival’s backers, according to the Associated Press [1].
Eisenkot Gets First Chance to Form Coalition
Herzog made the announcement after consultations with representatives from most main parties, who recommended Eisenkot [2]. Eisenkot will have 28 days to try to form a new administration, with the potential for a 14-day extension, according to the BBC [3]. He faces a six-week mandate amid divisions following the Oct.
He argued that the goals of the war in the Gaza Strip had not yet been fully achieved and that a more transparent assessment of the situation was needed [4].
Coalition Math and Arab-Led Parties
Netanyahu and allies lost their parliamentary majority in last month’s elections, but Eisenkot’s bloc also did not win a majority, according to election results [5]. Arab-led parties made historic gains and emerged as potential but politically fraught kingmakers, officials said, with the Arab-led Joint List announcing it would back Eisenkot to form a new government [6].
The Joint List’s endorsement brought the total number of lawmakers backing Eisenkot to 67 in the 120-seat Knesset, according to the report [2]. Palestinian lawmaker Ahmad Tibi has urged Eisenkot to show 'courage' and form a minority government with Palestinians [7].
The high Palestinian voter turnout in Israel’s election saw the two Arab-led parties win 19 seats, according to reports [8].
Netanyahu Opposition and Unity Government Options
Netanyahu has campaigned to head off an alliance between Eisenkot and Arab-led parties, including unsubstantiated claims that Arab parties 'stole' the elections, according to the report [9]. The main Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot and Arab-led party leaders have denounced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleging foreign interference following the election [10].
Shortly before Herzog’s announcement, Netanyahu called for a 'national unity government' and warned against 'hastily swearing in a government with terrorist supporters,' language he uses for Arab-led parties, in a video statement [1].
Eisenkot has also refused to serve in any government led by Netanyahu, even at the personal request of US President Donald Trump, Israel’s Public Broadcaster (KAN) reported [11].
Conclusion
If Eisenkot fails to win enough support, the mandate returns to the president, who can pass the mandate to another candidate such as Netanyahu, according to reports [12].
References
- After Bibi's Unity Plea, Israel's President Gives His Rival First Shot At Power. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/after-bibis-unity-plea-israels-president-gives-his-rival-first-shot-power
- Arab-Led Parties To Back Eisenkot To Form Israel's Next Government. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/arab-led-parties-back-eisenkot-form-israels-next-government
- Israel's president tasks opposition leader Eisenkot with forming government. Neither PM Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor that of his rival secured a majority in last week's election. https://bbc.com/news/articles/cmy8367lj5xlo
- Israeli official warns that absolute defeat of Hamas is IMPOSSIBLE - NaturalNews.com, January 23, 2024.
- Can Netanyahu cling onto power (again)? https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/can-netanyahu-cling-power-again
- Arab-led Joint List says it will back Eisenkot to form Israel's next government. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/arab-led-joint-list-says-it-will-back-eisenkot-form-israels-next-government
- Israel: Tibi urges Eisenkot to show 'courage' and form minority government with Palestinians. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-tibi-urges-eisenkot-show-courage-and-form-minority-government-palestinians
- Why Palestinian electoral gains in Israel should be met with caution, not celebration. https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/why-palestinian-electoral-gains-Israel-should-be-met-with-caution-not-celebration
- Netanyahu Alleges Arab Political Parties Defrauded Israeli Election. https://theepochtimes.com/world/netanyahu-alleges-arab-political-parties-defrauded-israeli-election-6109921
- Israeli opposition accuses Netanyahu of trying to 'delegitimise' election. https://bbc.com/news/articles/ckdd8qdl9e0eo
- Eisenkot Refuses To Join US-Backed 'Unity Government' With Netanyahu. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/eisenkot-refuses-join-us-backed-unity-government-netanyahu
- Israeli President Hands Opposition Candidate First Chance at Forming Government. https://theepochtimes.com/world/israeli-president-hands-opposition-candidate-first-chance-at-forming-government-6122094
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