Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suffered a major political setback after opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot received recommendations from 67 members of parliament to be assigned the task of forming the next government, raising fresh questions about Netanyahu’s chances of returning to power.
The political landscape has shifted following the country’s recent elections, with two Arab political parties backing Eisenkot. Meanwhile, a long-standing religious ally of Netanyahu has declined to recommend him for the premiership.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on Thursday that, following consultations with representatives of parliamentary parties, he would decide on Sunday which member of parliament should receive the mandate to form the next government.
According to Herzog, a total of 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot for the task, while 46 expressed support for Netanyahu. Seven lawmakers did not recommend either candidate.
The United Arab List, also known as Ra’am, which holds eight seats in the Knesset, had already announced its support for Eisenkot. The 11-seat Joint List subsequently also recommended him, bringing the total number of recommendations in his favour to 67.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, suffered a setback when the United Torah Judaism party, a long-time ally with seven seats, declined to recommend any candidate during its meeting with the president. The party’s decision weakened the number of recommendations available to the incumbent prime minister.
The election results had left Israel without a clear parliamentary majority. Netanyahu’s Likud party and its allies secured a combined 53 seats, while the Jewish opposition parties aligned with Eisenkot hold 48 seats. Arab parties won a total of 19 seats.
Despite receiving the largest number of recommendations, Eisenkot’s path to forming a government is not guaranteed. Political differences among the parties and conditions attached to potential coalition agreements could complicate efforts to build a stable governing majority.
After receiving the presidential mandate, the nominated candidate will need to negotiate with other parties, secure coalition support and win a confidence vote in the Knesset.
President Herzog is expected to make his decision on Sunday after completing further consultations. The outcome could prove decisive for Netanyahu’s political future and the formation of Israel’s next government.
