Herzog Taps Gadi Eisenkot to Form Israel’s Next Government After Securing 67 Endorsements

Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that he will formally task Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, with forming Israel’s next government on Sunday afternoon. Herzog has invited Eisenkot to the President’s Residence for the official ceremony, scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

The president said he had completed his round of consultations with the political parties and conducted several additional inquiries before reaching his decision. According to Herzog, parties representing 67 Knesset members recommended Eisenkot for the task of forming a government, while parties representing 46 lawmakers endorsed Prime Minister and Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu. Another party, holding seven Knesset seats, chose not to recommend either candidate.

The President’s Residence emphasized that Herzog had held extensive discussions with various political figures in recent days. These included separate meetings with Netanyahu and Eisenkot, during which he informed both leaders of his intentions.

Under Israel’s Basic Law: The Government, Eisenkot will have 28 days from the formal assignment of the mandate to establish a new governing coalition. If additional time is required, the president has the authority to grant an extension of up to 14 days.