Israel president picks Eisenkot

Israeli President's Decision

Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, has chosen Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and a former military chief, to try to form a new government. This decision comes after a deadlocked election result, with neither Eisenkot nor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu winning a clear majority. According to Israeli media, the president's decision was made after marathon discussions with representatives from most of Israel's main parties, who recommended Eisenkot be tasked with assembling a new government.

Election Results and Coalition Building

The election, which took place on October 27, left Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition without a majority, although it still emerged as the largest bloc in parliament. Eisenkot's Yashar party has refused to join forces with Arab parties, who could potentially hand him a majority of seats in parliament. However, Arab leaders still nominated Eisenkot to try to form a government first, giving him the most endorsements. The Arab-led parties, including the Joint List and the United Arab List, hold a record 19 seats in the next Knesset.

Pathways to Power

Eisenkot has several potential pathways to power, including trying to form a minority government with Arab support from the outside, forming a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties that he and his allies have shunned in the past, or forging a unity government with Netanyahu. However, analysts say that all three options are unlikely to take shape. If Eisenkot fails to form a government, another candidate can try to form a government, and if that candidate fails, parliament can nominate another.

Reactions and Next Steps

Netanyahu has called for a "national unity government" and warned against "hastily swearing in a government with terrorist supporters," an apparent reference to the Arab-led parties. Eisenkot's party, Yashar, has slammed the prime minister's video statement and urged members of Netanyahu's Likud party to disavow their alliance with "radical parties." The president will invite Eisenkot to his residence to formally offer him the chance to form a government, and Eisenkot will have 28 days to form a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has been chosen to form a new government in Israel?

Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and a former military chief, has been chosen by Israel's president to try to form a new government.

How many days does Eisenkot have to form a coalition?

Eisenkot has 28 days to form a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.

What are the potential pathways to power for Eisenkot?

Eisenkot has several potential pathways to power, including trying to form a minority government with Arab support from the outside, forming a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties, or forging a unity government with Netanyahu.

The next trigger in the process will be the formal offer from the president to Eisenkot, which is expected to take place on Sunday. After that, Eisenkot will have 28 days to form a coalition, and the outcome is far from certain. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Eisenkot will be able to form a stable government or if another candidate will be given the opportunity to try.