JERUSALEM: Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot formally assumed the mandate on Sunday to form the nation’s next government, embarking on what he described as an “extraordinarily complex” political mission following an inconclusive general election that failed to decisively unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog officially handed over the assignment during a meeting at the presidential residence, setting in motion a 28-day timeline for coalition negotiations.
“We are in a state of emergency, approaching a point of no return for the State of Israel,” Eisenkot declared following the appointment. “We must form a national emergency government. This will require creative and unconventional political steps.”
President Herzog emphasized that the new administration will take office amid severe geopolitical challenges, including persistent threats from Iran, complex negotiations regarding peace in Gaza, and ongoing diplomatic engagements with Lebanon and neighboring states.
Eisenkot outlined key principles for potential coalition partners, demanding official recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, universal national service to bolster military ranks, and an unwavering commitment to dismantling Hamas’s military and governing infrastructure.
Analysts note that Eisenkot’s path to a viable governing coalition remains fraught with hurdles. His potential strategies—ranging from forming a minority government backed by Arab parties to partnering with ultra-Orthodox factions previously shunned by his bloc—face intense political resistance.
In the recent election, Netanyahu’s Likud secured 27 seats to emerge as the largest single party in the 120-seat Knesset, though his wider religious-nationalist alliance secured only 53 seats, falling short of the 61-seat majority threshold. Meanwhile, Eisenkot’s Yashar party won 21 seats, positioning itself as the second-largest political force.
Complicating the political landscape further, opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman stated he would not participate in a unity government featuring Netanyahu or a minority administration reliant on Arab backing. However, Lieberman indicated a potential willingness to engage with ultra-Orthodox parties provided they support mandatory military service reforms.
If Eisenkot fails to secure a majority within the allocated 28 days—which can be extended by an additional 14 days—Netanyahu may be granted the opportunity to attempt government formation.
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