Official: Gadi Eizenkot Tasked with Forming the Occupation Government
Reshet tasked Eizenkot with forming the government after elections that failed to produce a majority.
Translated by Qiyas from القبس — Original source
On Saturday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog tasked Yesh Atid leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government, following elections that failed to deliver a parliamentary majority to either his camp or that of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A statement from Herzog’s office said, “The President has informed Yesh Atid leader Gadi Eisenkot of his intention to task him with forming a new government,” adding that an official ceremony would be held for this purpose at the President’s residence in Jerusalem on Sunday afternoon. The designated prime minister has 28 days to form the government, and the president may extend the deadline by up to 14 additional days. Eisenkot had secured recommendations from factions representing 67 of the 120 Knesset members in presidential consultations with political parties, compared to 46 who recommended Netanyahu. Eisenkot’s challenge lies in converting these recommendations into concrete support for his government. The Joint List and the United Arab List recommended him, but their recommendations do not obligate them to join a coalition he leads. Meanwhile, Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman opposes relying on Arab parties, despite supporting Eisenkot’s nomination.
