Israel: Netanyahu's Rival Gadi Eisenkot Officially Tasked with Forming New Government

The Israeli presidency announced on Saturday, November 7, that opposition leader and former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot will be officially tasked on Sunday with forming the next Israeli government, in a move that paves the way for the ouster of outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A presidential statement said President Isaac Herzog invited Eisenkot to the presidential residence, where he will be officially entrusted on Sunday at 5:00 PM with the task of assembling the government, following the conclusion of consultations with political factions represented in parliament.

Political Impasse for Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, is striving to retain his post, but his religious-nationalist coalition lost its majority following the October 27 elections, despite his party remaining the largest single parliamentary bloc. Amid tensions surrounding the election results, Netanyahu's party accused Arab political factions of "stealing the election."

Arab Lawmakers' Stance Tips the Balance

The anti-Netanyahu camp, led by Gadi Eisenkot, had previously expressed reservations and refused a direct coalition with Arab parties to achieve the required parliamentary majority. However, Arab leaders and lawmakers, driven by discontent with policies pursued by Netanyahu and his far-right allies, chose to endorse Eisenkot during extensive consultations with President Isaac Herzog, tipping the scales in his favor to lead the government formation process.