The Daily PulseWorld
Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot invited to form new government
Reported by Danish Ansari (Fact-Checker) · The Hindu - International ·
Photo: Wikimedia CommonsIsraeli President Isaac Herzog has invited opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government following the October 27 legislative elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party won 27 seats to finish first, while Mr. Eisenkot's centrist Yashar party came second with 21 seats. Despite finishing behind, the former military chief secured support from 67 legislators in the 120-member Knesset. Mr. Eisenkot warned that Israel faces a risk of descending to dark places and a point of no return.
Government Challenges
The path ahead involves complex coalition hurdles as opposition parties remain split between a Jewish-led bloc of 48 members and an Arab-led bloc of 19 members. Arab parties offered support to block Mr. Netanyahu's right-religious coalition, but it remains unconfirmed if they will join the government directly or provide outside backing for a minority administration. Right-wing allies like Avigdor Lieberman oppose partnering with Arab parties, prompting Mr. Eisenkot to appeal to Likud and the far-right Religious Zionism to join a unity government.
Context
Political shifts in Israel frequently involve complex coalition negotiations due to the multi-party parliamentary system of the Knesset. A government needs majority support among legislators to take office and pass laws. Future developments will depend heavily on whether opposing factions can bridge their sharp divides on key domestic and foreign policies.
ExplainerWhy this matters
What Happened
Israeli President Isaac Herzog invited opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot to form a new government after the October 27 elections, bypassing incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu despite Netanyahu's Likud party winning the most seats.
Why It Matters
This political shift could fundamentally alter Israel's domestic policies, its strained international relations with allies like the United States, and its approach to the ongoing conflict and security challenges in the region.
What Happens Next
Mr. Eisenkot must successfully negotiate a coalition among deeply split Jewish and Arab opposition factions, or convince rival right-wing parties to join a unity government, to secure the required parliamentary majority.
