JERUSALEM, Israel- President Isaac Herzog has selected Yashar Party Chairman Gadi Eisenkot to attempt to form Israel’s next government after he received the backing of Knesset factions representing 67 lawmakers.
Eisenkot was chosen over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose Likud-led camp received recommendations from factions representing 46 members of the 120-seat Knesset.
A seven-member faction did not recommend either candidate.
The President’s Office said Herzog made the decision after completing consultations with all parliamentary factions and holding further discussions with political figures, including Netanyahu and Eisenkot.
Eisenkot is scheduled to formally receive the mandate at a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem at 5 pm Israel time on Sunday.
Mandate does not make him prime minister
The decision gives the former military chief the first opportunity to negotiate a governing coalition, but it does not automatically make him prime minister.
Under Israel’s Basic Law, Eisenkot will initially have 28 days to form a government.
Herzog can grant an extension of up to 14 days if necessary.
To take office, Eisenkot must secure the support of at least 61 members of the Knesset, either through a formal coalition or another viable parliamentary arrangement.
“Now is the time to form a national emergency government,” Eisenkot said after the announcement, pledging to do everything possible to meet the task.
The mandate follows Israel’s October 27 election, which did not produce a clear governing majority and
