Herzog Tasks Eisenkot With Forming Government

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a government after lawmakers recommended him by 67 votes to 46 for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; seven lawmakers backed neither candidate. Eisenkot has 28 days to assemble a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension, but the recommendation tally does not guarantee a parliamentary majority. Arab-led parties’ support helped lift his numbers, though their role in a coalition remains contentious: they may support a government from outside, while some of Eisenkot’s allies oppose relying on them. Eisenkot says negotiations have made progress and is seeking a national emergency government, but divisions across the blocs leave the outcome uncertain.