Eisenkot tasked with forming Israeli government after election stalemate

President Herzog’s office announced Saturday evening that former army chief Eisenkot will be formally entrusted with forming a government on Sunday afternoon in a ceremony in Jerusalem. Eisenkot now has 28 days to assemble a coalition, with a possible one-time extension of 14 days if needed.

Herzog’s office cited consultations with all factions in the new parliament, where factions representing 67 of the 120 Knesset members recommended Eisenkot be tasked with forming the government. Netanyahu received 46 recommendations.

Netanyahu called on the opposition Saturday to form a “government of national unity,” which he envisions including his Likud party, the two ultra-Orthodox parties, and the two far-right parties from his previous coalition. He did not specify who should lead such a government.

Netanyahu also cautioned against a government reliant on the support of the two Arab parties, warning that it would destroy Israel from within.

Eisenkot dismissed Netanyahu’s call as a “cheap PR stunt,” accusing him of dividing Israeli society and sowing discord, and alleging that Netanyahu has never honored agreements with political partners. He challenged Netanyahu’s allies to publicly dissolve their alliances with extremists and join a government led by Prime Minister Eisenkot.

The Arab parties, who significantly increased their vote share in the election, have offered their support to Eisenkot. Jussuf Jabarin, a leading candidate for a coalition of three parties, stated his list is ready to work with Eisenkot’s opposition bloc to oust Netanyahu, arguing that Netanyahu will continue to incite against the Arab population. He emphasized the need for genuine Jewish-Arab cooperation.

While cooperation with the Arab parties is largely rejected by Jewish parties, Eisenkot has not previously ruled out such a partnership. Reports suggest that Eisenkot’s ally, Avigdor Lieberman, has signaled a willingness to consider a coalition with the two ultra-Orthodox parties, potentially compromising on his demand for mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox religious students.