Eisenkot Starts 28-Day Clock to Form New Israeli Government
The former military chief has 28 days to secure 61 votes in parliament while navigating disputes over Arab party inclusion and military service.
By Rebecca Svoboda ·
Gadi Eisenkot began efforts to form a new Israeli government on Sunday.
Eisenkot, 66, received a formal mandate from President Isaac Herzog to build a coalition. He has 28 days to secure the 61 votes needed for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. His current bloc holds 48 seats, leaving him short of the necessary support without additional partners.
The former military chief of staff invited Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and Bezalel Smotrich’s far-right party to join his cabinet. Eisenkot stated he would serve as prime minister in any arrangement. He told reporters at the presidential office, “My door is open and my hand is extended, wholeheartedly and willingly, to anyone who understands the gravity of this moment.”
Eisenkot also secured endorsements from two Arab-majority lists during consultations with Herzog. These groups can act as kingmakers for his coalition. Eisenkot set conditions for their participation, requiring recognition of Israel as a Jewish state and designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization. His coalition partner, the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has previously ruled out sitting with Arab-led parties.
The opposition bloc campaigned on equal military service, seeking to end draft exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community. Eisenkot also pledged to address attacks by West Bank settlers on Palestinians. He described the recent diplomatic situation as a crisis, noting that allies are reassessing their relationships with Israel. He called for a national emergency government that uses creative political steps.
Netanyahu’s camp holds 53 seats and has alleged the election was stolen by Arab parties. Netanyahu proposed a national unity government on Saturday night, though the terms for power sharing remain unclear. The Shin Bet security agency is investigating possible foreign interference in the vote. The Central Elections Committee and President Herzog maintain the result was valid.
If Eisenkot fails to secure a majority within 28 days, Herzog can grant a 14-day extension. If that fails, Israel will hold fresh elections. Eisenkot served as military chief of staff from 2015 to 2019 and commanded forces during the 2006 war with Hezbollah.
