Gadi Eisenkot has expressed his commitment to forming a national emergency government in Israel following his recent designation by President Isaac Herzog. In a post on social media platform X, Eisenkot stated, “Now is the time to form a national emergency government. I will do everything to ensure we are worthy.”
The announcement came after the recent election held on October 27, where no political bloc secured a majority in a deeply polarized environment influenced by the ongoing leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During a ceremony scheduled for Sunday at the presidential residence in Jerusalem, Eisenkot will be formally tasked with the government formation. Eisenkot’s candidacy received backing from parties representing 67 lawmakers, compared to 46 for Netanyahu’s bloc.
Notably, Eisenkot’s support includes members from Israel’s Arab minority, whose influence has risen in this election due to widespread dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s rule. Yet, some right-leaning opposition members oppose the reliance on Arab votes, further complicating the coalition-building process.
President Herzog, who has maintained a working relationship with Netanyahu and strives for a nationally united front, is also under pressure to explore a broad coalition that encompasses a variety of political perspectives. Speculation regarding the urgency for such unity has been fueled by Netanyahu’s controversial rhetoric regarding a potential military response against Iran.
Netanyahu, who has served as prime minister for nearly two decades, faces corruption charges that could lead to imprisonment and has issued opposing calls for a national unity government while expressing firm opposition to Arab participation.
As Eisenkot prepares to undertake the challenge of coalition building, he has emphasized the necessity of replacing Netanyahu, whom he has labeled a threat to democracy in Israel. Eisenkot has been given a period of 28 days to secure the requisite 61 votes to form a government, with an option for a 14-day extension should he require more time. Failure to establish a government would lead Israel to potential new elections.
