Netanyahu’s Grip on Power Under Pressure as Eisenkot Begins Coalition Bid

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Netanyahu Faces Political Setback as Eisenkot Gets First Chance to Form Government

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has selected Gadi Eisenkot to attempt to form the country’s next government following the October 27 election, opening coalition negotiations that could determine Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future.

Eisenkot, a former military chief and leader of the Yashar party, called for a national emergency government. His nomination gives him the first opportunity to assemble a coalition, but does not make him prime minister. Neither his bloc nor Netanyahu’s allies secured a parliamentary majority.

Netanyahu’s Likud won 27 seats, while his wider alliance secured 53 in the 120-seat Knesset, below the 61 needed for a majority. Eisenkot’s party won 21 seats, and his bloc obtained 48. Arab-led parties secured 19 seats, making their support potentially decisive.

Eisenkot has 28 days to negotiate, with a possible 14-day extension. Options include securing outside parliamentary support, attracting additional coalition partners or pursuing a unity agreement. Each involves difficult political compromises. If successive efforts to establish a government fail, Israel could face another election.

Sources: Associated Press and Reuters.