New Delhi: The process of government formation in Israel has posed a new challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. President Isaac Herzog decided on Saturday to give opposition leader and former army chief Gadi Eisenkot the first chance to form a government. No camp got a clear majority in the October 27 elections. Now Eisenkot will have to build a consensus among different parties and garner a majority in the 120-member Knesset.
Why did Herzog choose Eisenkot?
In the consultation process with the President, factions representing 67 MPs recommended giving the responsibility of forming the government to Eisenkot. The support of 46 MPs came in favour of Netanyahu. However, the President’s decision does not guarantee that Eisenkot will easily form a government. He will have to muster the parliamentary support needed to form a government and resolve differences among allies.
What does the figure of 48 seats tell?
The main coalition of four parties challenging Netanyahu in the elections got 48 seats. The Netanyahu-led camp secured 53 seats. That means both parties fell short of the 61 seats required for a majority. Arab-dominated parties won a total of 19 seats and with their support, the number of recommendations made to the President in favour of Eisenkot reached 67. This figure does not equate to formal participation in the government or formation of a firm alliance.
Why is support for Arab parties important?
The support of Arab parties could take Eisenkot closer to a majority, but this support could also become the coalition’s toughest political test. Coalitions involving Arab parties have been rare in Israel. Netanyahu has raised questions about his support for Arab parties, while Eisenkot has kept open the possibility of working with them, subject to certain conditions. Even among his potential allies there is no consensus on this issue. Therefore, it would be premature to consider the recommendation of 67 MPs as a ready alliance.
How much time will Eisenkot get?
Eisenkot will get 28 days after being formally entrusted with the task of forming the government. If needed, they can also be given an additional extension of 14 days. If he is not able to gather a majority within the stipulated time, then the President can give a chance to another MP. Netanyahu will remain acting prime minister until a new government is formed.
Who is Gadi Eisenkot?
Eisenkot is the leader of the Yashar party and former head of the Israeli army. He held the post of Army Chief from 2015 to 2019. As Netanyahu’s main election rival, he has called for political change and the formation of a national emergency government. Now the challenge before him is to convert electoral support into a stable parliamentary alliance.
