Herzog Gives Eisenkot First Chance to Form Israeli Government

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has selected opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to receive the first opportunity to form a government, after the October 27 election left both major blocs short of a Knesset majority. The formal handover was scheduled for November 8 at 5 p.m. local time. The appointment gives Eisenkot a chance to negotiate, but does not establish that he can assemble a governing coalition.

Eisenkot, head of the centrist Yashar party and a former military chief, has 28 days to form a government once he receives the mandate. Herzog can extend that period by up to 14 days. If Eisenkot does not succeed, another lawmaker could be given an opportunity to try.

In consultations with political factions, 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot and 46 recommended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Seven lawmakers did not endorse either candidate. The recommendations determine who receives the first mandate; they are not a commitment by those lawmakers or their parties to support a government.

The 120-seat Knesset requires 61 seats for a majority. Eisenkot’s four-party bloc holds 48 seats, while Netanyahu’s bloc has 53. The 19 lawmakers from Arab parties were included among those...