Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government, handing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leading rival the opportunity to end his long tenure in office.
The decision follows an inconclusive national election last month, which left neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot with a clear parliamentary majority.
Herzog said he held “in-depth talks” with both Netanyahu and Eisenkot before making his decision.
The Israeli president ultimately selected Eisenkot, a former military chief, after more members of parliament backed him than Netanyahu during consultations over the past week.
The appointment gives Eisenkot an opportunity to fulfil his pledge to unseat Netanyahu and steer Israel in a new political direction.
However, he faces a difficult task of securing enough support from rival political groups to form a governing coalition.
Eisenkot has up to six weeks to negotiate and assemble a parliamentary majority. If he fails, Herzog can pass the opportunity to another candidate, most likely Netanyahu.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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