Israeli President decides to authorize Integrity Party leader Eisenkot to form new government
Eisenkot was recommended by 67 MPs, and Netanyahu was recommended by 46 MPs. Neither party reached the 61-seat majority threshold.
Quick Look
- Israeli President Herzog announced on the 7th that the authorization to form the next government would be handed over to the leader of the Integrity Party and former Chief of Staff of the Defense Forces Gadi Eisenkot.
- The formal authorization ceremony is scheduled to be held on the afternoon of the 8th.
- Eisenkot was recommended by 67 MPs, Netanyahu was recommended by 46 MPs, and 7 MPs did not recommend it.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Israel held a parliamentary election on October 27, with Likud winning 27 seats and the Integrity Party winning 21 seats. A majority of 61 seats is needed to form a government, but Netanyahu's camp has only 53 seats in total and is unable to form a government independently.
China News Service, Beijing, November 8. Comprehensive news: Israeli President Herzog announced on the 7th local time that the authorization to form the next government will be handed over to the leader of the Integrity Party and former Chief of Staff of the Defense Forces Gadi Eisenkot. The formal authorization ceremony is scheduled to be held on the afternoon of the 8th.
According to reports from Israel's Channel 13, the Times of Israel and other media, during Herzog's consultations with various parties in the Knesset, 67 MPs recommended Eisenkot to form a cabinet, 46 MPs recommended current Prime Minister Netanyahu, and 7 MPs did not make a recommendation. Although the Likud party led by Netanyahu won 27 seats in the October 27 election, more than the Integrity Party's 21 seats, its camp totaled only 53 seats, falling short of the 61-seat majority required to form a government.
Netanyahu issued a video speech on the 7th, saying that the government formed by Eisenkot and supported by Israeli Arab parties "will destroy Israel from within" and called for the formation of a "national unity government" led by him. The Integrity Party immediately countered that Netanyahu's speech was a "hysterical speech" and invited Likud to join the government led by Eisenkot.
It is reported that Eisenkot has 28 days to form a cabinet after receiving formal authorization, and Herzog may approve an extension of 14 days depending on the situation. After Herzog’s announcement, Eisenkot said he would push for the formation of a “national emergency government.”
The Israeli media Ynet News Network issued an analysis saying that the prospect of Essenkot’s cabinet formation is not optimistic. If ultra-Orthodox parties are brought into the cabinet and external support from Arab parties is obtained, although a majority of seats can be gathered, it will be difficult to resolve relevant legislative disputes; if a minority government of only 48 seats is formed, it will be difficult to operate stably due to the opposition of right-wing partners and some potential allies in the camp, and it is well below the 61-seat threshold. Both parties currently lack interest in forming a unity government with Netanyahu. (over)
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Eisenkot will seek external support from Arab parties or win over ultra-Orthodox parties into the cabinet within the 28-day period to form a cabinet.
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Can Essenkot finally successfully form a government within 28 days (or after an extension of 14 days)?
- Will Arab parties provide external support?
- Whether the ultra-Orthodox party will enter the cabinet and how to resolve relevant legislative disputes
- If a 48-seat minority government is formed, will it be able to operate stably?
