EASTORA REPORT | Gadi Eisenkot has the backing of 67 Israeli lawmakers to become prime minister. The problem is that he cannot count on all 67 to join his government.
President Isaac Herzog announced on Saturday, November 7, that he had chosen the former military chief over Benjamin Netanyahu for the first attempt to form a coalition after Israel’s inconclusive October 27 election. Eisenkot, who leads the Yashar party, will formally receive the mandate at the presidential residence in Jerusalem at 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 8.
The numbers initially favor him. During consultations with Herzog, parties representing 67 of the Knesset’s 120 members recommended Eisenkot, against 46 for Netanyahu. A seven-seat ultra-Orthodox party declined to recommend either man.
But recommendations are not coalition agreements. Eisenkot’s four-party alliance holds only 48 seats; his own Yashar party won 21. The other 19 endorsements came from two Arab-led parties, whose support could put him above the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority. Eisenkot has ruled out bringing those parties into his government, while some of his potential partners also reject relying on them.
Netanyahu’s right-wing and religious bloc won 53 seats, including the seven lawmakers who withheld their recommendation. It, too, is short of a majority. Herzog acknowledged the dilemma on Thursday, saying the results of consultations looked clear but the ability to form a government was not, given the vetoes between parties.
Eisenkot now faces choices that could test the opposition’s unity: seek outside parliamentary support from Arab-led parties, negotiate with ultra-Orthodox factions, or try to build a broader coalition. Each option comes with political obstacles.
Under Israel’s Basic Law, he will have 28 days from receiving the mandate to form a government, with a possible extension of up to 14 days. If he fails, Herzog could turn to another candidate, leaving Netanyahu another possible route back to power.
For now, Netanyahu remains prime minister. Eisenkot has won the first opportunity to replace him, not the majority needed to do it.