Israeli President Chooses Gadi Eisenkot to Try to Form Government

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has chosen Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, to try to form a new government after a deadlocked election. Herzog informed Eisenkot of his intention on the night of Nov. 7, and a formal appointment was scheduled for a ceremony on Sunday at the president's residence in Jerusalem, according to The Guardian.

The decision follows a parliamentary election held on Oct. 27. Benjamin Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition lost its majority in the 120-seat Knesset, Israel's parliament. Eisenkot's opposition bloc won 48 seats, and Netanyahu's camp secured 53.

Eisenkot is a former military figure. He served as Israel's military chief of staff from 2015 to 2019. Netanyahu, by contrast, is the country's longest-serving prime minister.

The choice of a prime ministerial candidate came after a series of party consultations at the president's residence. On Nov. 4, the Shas and Zehut factions recommended that Netanyahu be tasked with forming the government, while the Yisrael Beitenu faction recommended Eisenkot. The United Arab List (Ra'am) also recommended Eisenkot, and he received the endorsements of both Arab-majority lists during the talks. Herzog concluded the round of consultations on Nov. 5 and said he intended to task a member of the Knesset with forming a government that Sunday.

Under Israeli procedure, the president nominates a candidate, who then has a limited period to assemble a majority of at least 61 seats in the Knesset. The New York Times reported that if Eisenkot fails, Herzog can select another candidate, who would then have four weeks to form a government.

Before the consultations, Reuters reported in late October that Together, The Democrats and Israel Our Home were among the parties considered natural partners for Yashar.