Israeli President Isaac Herzog has given the mandate to form a new government following the parliamentary elections held on October 27 not to incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but to opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot.
“After the consultations I held in recent days with various officials, it became clear to me that Mr. Eisenkot has received the clear and unequivocal support of the majority of Knesset members on the question of who is more likely to form the next government and receive a vote of confidence in the Knesset,” President Herzog stated.
In turn, Gadi Eisenkot noted that Israel urgently needs new leadership, which the majority of the country’s population will trust.
“With the mandate entrusted to me today, I will lead the process of forming a government of national salvation. It will require creative and unconventional political steps. Israel cannot afford to delay this process or return to the cycle of endless elections,” the opposition leader stated.
Under the law, Eisenkot has 28 days to form a governing coalition. If necessary, that period can be extended by another two weeks.
On Saturday, incumbent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had called for forming a government of national unity, with the aim of excluding from the country’s governance parties representing Israel’s Arab population.
As a result of the parliamentary elections held on October 27, none of the political forces managed to obtain the majority needed to form a government on its own.
The largest faction in parliament was formed by the political force led by Netanyahu, while Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition alliance came in second.
