Israeli president instructs opposition leader to form cabinet, talks to form coalition to unite anti-Netanyahu camp

[Cairo Current Affairs] On the 8th, Israeli President Herzog instructed former military chief of staff Eisenkot, leader of the centrist opposition party Yashar, to form a new government. Coalition negotiations with each party will begin in earnest. The focus will be on whether Mr. Eisenkot can rally the anti-Prime Minister Netanyahu camp and achieve a change of government.

Israeli president instructs opposition leader to form cabinet; coalition talks to unite anti-Netanyahu camp

In the general election held on October 27 (with 120 seats), Netanyahu's ruling Likud party was the largest party, winning 53 seats. Of these, the ultra-Orthodox Jewish Union (seven seats) decided not to recommend Netanyahu due to policy disagreements, leaving only 46 people supporting him.

Yashar became the second party, and the Jewish opposition bloc had a sluggish 48 seats. However, the two Arab parties that won 19 seats also announced their opposition to Mr. Netanyahu, and Mr. Eisenkot received 67 nominations.

Herzog pointed out that Eisenkot "gained clear and unwavering support" when giving instructions to form a government. Eisenkot said that "extraordinary and unconventional political measures will be required" to form a "national emergency cabinet" to deal with the challenges left by Netanyahu, including the conflicts over the Palestinian territories of Gaza and Lebanon. The cabinet formation must be completed within 28 days. The deadline can be extended by up to 14 days at the president's discretion.

Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on corruption charges. In 2023, the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Gaza following a surprise attack on Israel. Although he later expanded his front lines to Iran and other areas, he was criticized for ``covering up his own suspicions.''