Gadi Eisenkot Tasked with Forming Government After Netanyahu’s Setback

Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party, gained the opportunity to form a new government in Israel. President Isaac Herzog tasked him with this role after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party won the most seats but didn’t achieve a majority. Eisenkot, known for his military background, previously served as the chief of staff for the Israel Defense Forces from 2015 to 2019.

In the recent election, Netanyahu’s Likud party secured 27 seats, whereas Eisenkot’s Yashar party captured 21. However, neither party reached the required 61-seat majority in the 120-seat parliament. Eisenkot has received formal endorsement to negotiate a coalition. He has 28 days for this task, with an option for a further 14-day extension, totaling up to six weeks to form a government.

Eisenkot built Yashar on principles of anti-corruption and governmental reform. Although he joined Netanyahu’s war cabinet following the events of October 7, 2023, he left the next year. He criticized Netanyahu for not progressing enough toward resolving the Gaza conflict and freeing hostages. Personally, Eisenkot experienced loss during this period, with his son and two nephews killed in Gaza.

If Eisenkot fails to secure a majority, President Herzog might offer another politician the chance to assemble a government. Continued failure in forming a coalition could lead to yet another election in Israel. Until then, Netanyahu will continue in his role as caretaker prime minister.