Israel is going through a significant political transition since its recent parliamentary election. Ex-Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot has asked the Likud Party, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and its far-right allies to join a proposed national unity government. The government will operate under his leadership, not Netanyahu’s. This step was taken following President Isaac Herzog’s formal delegation of Eisenkot to be in charge of forming the next government. The political environment in Israel is still uncertain, as no ruling bloc has won the 61 seats needed to form a majority in the Knesset, which has 120 seats.
Why Did Gadi Eisenkot Invite Benjamin Netanyahu?
Eisenkot has been seeking to forge a broad coalition to heal Israel’s political fractures and tackle the country’s persistent crises. He has contacted the ruling Likud party led by Netanyahu and the Religious Zionist Party of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. He has claimed that parties that support the unity of the country must agree to come together and collaborate in his period of leadership. Speaking about the country’s situation, Eisenkot has spoken of Israel’s emergency as he called for domestic political cooperation.
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What Is Netanyahu’s Response To The Government Offer?
Eisenkot’s recommendation to bring in opposite-side politicians into a unity government has been backed by several of his former colleagues and critics alike. Netanyahu has argued for a unity government including other Zionist parties, but it is still unclear whether he or Likud politicians will accommodate Eisenkot’s response. The invitation comes at a time when Netanyahu’s coalition has so far been unable to gather enough support in the Knesset to establish a government. His party is the largest single faction, but the coalition as a whole lacks the overall parliamentary numbers for a mandate.
How many days does Eisenkot have to form the government?
The president has given Eisenkot 28 days to form a government, though he can additionally extend this period by a further 14 days if necessary. When he met with the president, Eisenkot was endorsed by lawmakers representing 67 seats, versus 46 for Netanyahu. But these endorsements don’t necessarily translate into a parliamentary majority.
Why Is Forming Israel’s New Government Difficult?
The election results have thrown up a tricky political situation. Netanyahu’s bloc finished with 53 seats; Eisenkot’s opposition alliance had 48, with Arab parties taking the remaining 1 9. He might be able to recruit Arab-led parties or ask ultra-Orthodox parties to cooperate. But political considerations and resistance to military service exemptions might hinder compromises.
What’s Next for Israel’s Political Crisis?
Eisenkot now needs to bring other political parties to his side. His offer to Netanyahu’s partners may well play a crucial role in these coalition negotiations. Whether he manages to build the coalition needed for a new government or Israel sinks into another spiral of political chaos depends on the next few weeks.
