Eisenkot Secures 67 Endorsements to Oust Netanyahu
Holding 48 seats in the incoming Knesset, 13 short of a traditional parliamentary majority, the retired military chief has secured 67 endorsements from lawmakers to form Israel’s next government. President Isaac Herzog’s office announced the decision on a Saturday night, setting the stage for a formal appointment ceremony at the presidential residence in Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting to hold on to office after his religious-nationalist coalition lost its majority in the October 27 election but still emerged as the largest bloc in parliament. Netanyahu’s camp secured 53 seats, leaving neither leader with an immediate, clear path to power.
Eisenkot's Change Bloc Seeks 13 Seats for a Majority
Eisenkot leads the Yashar party, which won 21 seats to become the largest party outside Netanyahu’s alliance. His wider change bloc of four Zionist parties controls 48 seats total, meaning the coalition must bridge a 13-seat gap to reach the threshold of 61 in the 120-seat Knesset.
Who is Gadi Eisenkot, former army chief set to receive mandate to form Israel’s next government? • Son of Moroccan-born parents, Eisenkot rose from an infantry soldier to army chief, a post he held from 2015 to 2019 • His name is tied to ‘Dahiya Doctrine,’ which calls for… pic.twitter.com/oqMhgwiFcz
During consultations at the president’s residence, Eisenkot received recommendations from factions representing 67 Knesset members, including 19 seats from Arab-majority parties. Netanyahu received 46 recommendations, while seven lawmakers chose to abstain from backing any candidate.
Obstacles Facing a National Emergency Government
Eisenkot posted on X that he intends to form a national emergency government as quickly as possible. His potential paths include a minority government supported by Arab parties from the outside, an unlikely alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties, or a unity government with Likud.
Political divisions within the opposition complicate those options. Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beitenu party, has ruled out any government dependent on Arab parties. Eisenkot himself stated in a September interview with Channel 12 News that Arab lists did not meet his conditions for joining the Cabinet, though their outside abstention or support remains a viable mathematical route.
Eisenkot Brings Security Credentials and Domestic Policy Vows to Politics
Entering politics only in 2022, Eisenkot served as the Israel Defense Forces chief of staff from 2015 to 2019. He commands strong security credentials, having devised the “Dahiya doctrine” during the 2006 war with Hezbollah, which entails using massive force against civilian infrastructure in militant-controlled areas.
On domestic policy, Eisenkot has vowed to curb extremist West Bank settlers and unite a country that shifted sharply rightward under Netanyahu. Unlike Netanyahu’s coalition partners who advocate for annexing occupied Palestinian land, Eisenkot’s platform carves out territory for Palestinian civil self-rule while maintaining opposition to an independent Palestinian state.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Israeli Government Mandate
How long does Gadi Eisenkot have to form a government?
Eisenkot has an initial 28 days to negotiate cabinet posts, budgets, and policies, with a possible 14-day extension permitted under Israeli law.
What happens if Eisenkot fails to assemble a coalition?
If Eisenkot cannot secure a majority government within the allotted time, the mandate to try and form a coalition passes to Benjamin Netanyahu for another four weeks.
What role do Arab-majority parties play in the current political deadlock?
Lawmakers from Arab-majority lists gave Eisenkot 19 recommendations during presidential consultations, providing the numbers needed to reach 67 endorsements, though it remains unconfirmed whether the change bloc will formally accept their parliamentary backing.
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