Israel’s protracted political landscape has finally shifted, initiating the process of forming a new government. President Isaac Herzog has officially tasked former army chief and Yeshar Party chairman Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new coalition government, bypassing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The President announced this decision on Saturday night, November 7.
Eisenkot is expected to formally receive the mandate to form a government at the President’s official residence in Jerusalem on Sunday, November 8.
In the recently concluded Israeli parliamentary (Knesset) elections, neither incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor opposition leader Eisenkot’s bloc managed to secure an outright majority. In the 120-seat Knesset, Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party and its allies secured 53 seats, while Eisenkot’s centrist coalition obtained 48 seats. The Arab-led bloc emerged as a crucial power-broker, winning a record 19 seats.
Post-election analysis revealed that 67 lawmakers endorsed Eisenkot for prime minister, compared to 46 who supported Netanyahu. Given there is no strict requirement for the candidate with the most seats, President Herzog placed his trust in Eisenkot, believing him capable of forming a stable administration.
Legal Process and Potential Steps:
Initial Timeframe: Upon receiving the mandate, Eisenkot will have 28 days to form a government. The President can extend this period by an additional 14 days if deemed necessary.
Alternative Proposal or Second Attempt: If Eisenkot fails to secure a majority within the stipulated time and informs the President, or loses a confidence vote in parliament, the President will make a subsequent decision within three days. In such a scenario, he may grant another Knesset member 28 days to form a government (without the possibility of extension).
Special 21-Day Period: Should the second nominee also fail, a special 21-day window will open, allowing at least 61 lawmakers to jointly sign a petition requesting the President to grant any Knesset member the opportunity to form a government.
Dissolution of Parliament and Re-election: If all attempts fail, the Knesset will be formally dissolved, and new elections will be held within 90 days.
Interim Government: The current caretaker government will continue to operate until a new government is formed and secures a vote of confidence.
It is worth noting that no single party in Israeli political history has ever achieved a full majority, leading to the consistent formation of coalition governments. Whether Eisenkot’s mandate will resolve the country’s prolonged political deadlock now hinges on the politics of compromise.
Source: Al Jazeera
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