Israeli Opposition Leader Gadi Eisenkot Tasked With Forming Coalition Government

Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has been officially tasked by President Isaac Herzog with forming the country's next government following recent electoral outcomes. Eisenkot, who ran as a primary rival to incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated during a ceremony at the president's office in Jerusalem that he would be open to including Netanyahu in his coalition lineup.

During the event, Eisenkot also indicated that Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister, would be welcome to join the prospective administration. Addressing potential partners, Eisenkot emphasized the importance of unity, stating that members of Likud and the Religious Zionist Party should support a government under his leadership if they believe unity is currently necessary.

President Isaac Herzog highlighted the need for a stable administration, pointing to uncertainties arising from the November 3 United States midterm elections, which resulted in victories for several political figures critical of Israel and United States military support. Eisenkot now has a six-week window to construct a new government, pledging to act in the public interest and represent all segments of Israeli society.

In the October 27 elections, Eisenkot's four-party alliance secured 48 seats, while Netanyahu's right-wing and religious bloc obtained 53 seats. Both factions fell short of the 61 seats required for an outright parliamentary majority. Meanwhile, Arab-led parties representing Palestinian citizens of Israel captured a record 19 seats.

Eisenkot has explicitly ruled out forming an administration with the Arab-led parties. Alternatively, securing the support of the two ultra-Orthodox parties, United Torah Judaism and Shas, would provide the exact 61 seats needed for a majority, though an administration could also be established with fewer seats if it successfully wins a parliamentary confidence vote.

Al Jazeera reported that Netanyahu remains the caretaker prime minister while coalition negotiations proceed. According to the reporting, Netanyahu retains time to influence the process, and if Eisenkot's attempts to establish a government fail, Netanyahu would be next in line for the mandate, with fresh elections potentially called if both leaders are unsuccessful.