President Isaac Herzog has chosen former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and strongest rival to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to attempt to form a new government. This follows a deadlocked parliamentary election last month that left neither candidate with a clear path to power or a majority in the Knesset.
The decision was made after marathon discussions with the president, during which representatives from most of Israel's main parties recommended Eisenkot. Leaders of six parties, representing a majority of seats in the Knesset, endorsed Eisenkot as the most legitimate candidate to assemble a new government. A formal appointment ceremony will take place on Sunday at the president's residence in Jerusalem.
Eisenkot, leading an anti-Netanyahu alliance, now has 28 days to build a coalition and secure 61 Knesset seats, with a possible extension of up to 14 additional days. While Eisenkot is confident in his efforts to oust the long-serving prime minister, the obstacles are described as formidable. If he fails to form a government, Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to get his chance.