Netanyahu rival Eisenkot tipped to seek Israeli government with backing of Arab lists
Israeli President to choose who will attempt to form a new government following October 27 election
Quick Look
Israeli President Isaac Herzog will announce on Sunday whom he will task with forming a new government after opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot secured 67 parliamentary recommendations to Benjamin Netanyahu's 46 following the October 27 election, with seven abstentions.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor Gadi Eisenkot secured enough votes for a majority in the October 27 election, requiring President Isaac Herzog to consult with political parties and select who will attempt to form a new government.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he will announce on Sunday whom he will task with trying to form a new government, after the opposition's Gadi Eisenkot secured a commanding number of recommendations to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Herzog held a second day of consultations with political parties on Thursday after the October 27 election, in which neither Netanyahu - a polarising right-winger who has led Israel through three years of war - nor Eisenkot - a former military chief promising to restore national unity - secured enough votes for a majority.
Herzog will make his choice, but traditionally the mandate is given to the person recommended by more parliament members. Sixty-seven picked Eisenkot, 46 opted for Netanyahu, while seven abstained.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
President Herzog will task Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Whom will President Herzog task with forming the government?
- Will the chosen candidate be able to secure a parliamentary majority?
- What will happen if the mandate recipient fails to form a government?
