Netanyahu rival Eisenkot faces challenge of forming government without majority

Talks on forming a new Israeli government have grown complicated after neither side secured the required majority in the election. President Isaac Herzog has decided to give Gadi Eisenkot, a rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a former army chief, the opportunity to form a government.

Reuters reported on Sunday (November 8) that Eisenkot had been invited to the president’s residence, where he was due to receive the formal mandate to form a government.

Netanyahu’s religious and nationalist alliance won 53 seats in the October 27 vote. Although it remained the largest bloc, it fell short of the 61 seats needed to form a government in the 120-member Knesset. Netanyahu’s Likud party won 27 seats on its own.

Eisenkot’s Yashar party won 21 seats. The four Jewish-led parties supporting him hold a total of 48 seats. Two parties representing the Arab population won a combined 19 seats.

Support from the Arab parties could open a path for Eisenkot to form a government. He has, however, ruled out entering a coalition with them. Even so, Arab leaders recommended that Eisenkot, rather than Netanyahu, receive the mandate. This gave the former army chief the most support in recommendations to the president.

Eisenkot will initially have 28 days to form a government, with the possibility of a further 14-day extension if needed. Within that period, he must reach an agreement that secures the government the necessary parliamentary support.

Possible solutions under discussion include a minority government with outside support from Arab parties, a coalition with ultra-religious parties, or a national unity government with Netanyahu. Differences in political positions, however, make every option difficult.

In a post on the social media platform X, Eisenkot stressed the importance of forming a national emergency government. He also said he would make every effort to ensure the initiative succeeds.

If his attempt fails, other candidates may get the opportunity to form a government. If the prescribed process produces no solution, Israel will hold another election.