Herzog gives Eisenkot six weeks to form Israeli government
Israeli President Isaac Herzog formally gave opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the first chance to form the next government on Sunday, 8 Nov, at the presidential residence in Jerusalem, starting a six-week deadline. The 27 Oct election left neither Eisenkot nor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a majority. Parties backing Eisenkot hold 67 of the 120 Knesset seats, including his Yashar party with 21, while Netanyahu's Likud and allies have 46. Eisenkot says he will seek a broad government as quickly as possible.
Key facts
- Eisenkot outlined three routes: a minority government backed by Arab parties, a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties, or a unity government with Netanyahu.
- Eisenkot says any party joining must recognise Hamas as a terrorist organisation and dismantle its military and governing capabilities.
- Herzog warned Israel faces a destructive diplomatic crisis and cannot afford endless elections.
- Herzog urged that any new government promote unity and healing among Israel's population.
Summarised with AI from 5 sources · Updated 08:10Read our AI policy
Why it matters
The mandate will shape Israel's political direction in a deadlocked parliament.
What changed
BBC News joined as a source
First published from Anadolu Agency, Hindustan Times, Asharq Al-Awsat, Bangkok Post and DW