President Herzog appoints Gadi Eisenkot to try forming Israeli government

President Isaac Herzog said he had consulted all parties and would grant Gadi Eisenkot the first mandate to form a government following the Oct. 27 election, in which neither bloc secured a majority. The formal appointment is scheduled for a ceremony on Sunday at the president’s residence in Jerusalem.

Eisenkot, a former chief of staff and political newcomer, was recommended by parties representing 67 lawmakers, compared with 46 for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc. His platform seeks to attract secular and liberal voters and proposes a national service model that would allow a civilian option, potentially opening a path for ultra-Orthodox participation.

Herzod, who has a non-partisan role, indicated an interest in exploring a national unity government that could bring together Jewish Israelis across the spectrum. Netanyahu, who faces corruption charges and an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, has called for a unity government but the opposition insists on his removal before any coalition is formed.

Eisenkot posted on X that “now is the time to form a national emergency government” and pledged to do everything to secure the required 61 votes within 28 days. If he fails, Herzog may grant a 14-day extension before assigning the mandate to another candidate, and a failure by both sides could trigger new elections.

Opposition figures such as Avigdor Liberman have signaled willingness to discuss exemptions for ultra-Orthodox conscription, while other leaders, including Naftali Bennett, have previously opposed such exemptions. The evolving negotiations could reshape potential alliances, including possible cooperation with Arab-list representatives who gained seats amid voter anger toward Netanyahu.