Herzog Says He Will Task Gadi Eisenkot With Forming Israel’s Next Government

President Isaac Herzog informed Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot on Saturday evening, November 7, that he intended to task him with forming Israel’s next government, the President’s Spokesperson said. Eisenkot was invited to the President’s Residence for the formal mandate ceremony on Sunday, November 8, at 17:00 Israel time. The announcement preceded the formal assignment of the mandate. The presidential statement said factions representing 67 Knesset members had recommended Eisenkot, while factions representing 46 members recommended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Likud leader. One faction with seven members recommended no candidate. Before reaching his decision, Herzog held discussions across the political system, including meetings with both Netanyahu and Eisenkot. In a November 5 statement following consultations with all factions elected to the 26th Knesset, Herzog said the recommendation totals did not by themselves settle who could form a government. He pointed to vetoes between and within the political blocs and said he would hold further direct talks with party leaders. “I intend to task a member of Knesset with forming the government this coming Sunday,” Herzog said then. The November 7 announcement also set out the legal timetable that follows the ceremony. Under Basic Law: The Government, a Knesset member formally tasked with forming a government has 28 days to do so. The president may extend that period by up to 14 additional days.