JERUSALEM, NOV 8 (AP): Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government, giving him six weeks to secure support from potential coalition partners.
Eisenkot, who contested the October 27 election as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main rival, said he wanted a government that people could trust, serve public interests and represent all sections of society.
The election gave neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor Eisenkot a clear parliamentary majority, leaving Arab-led parties among potential kingmakers.
The parties made historic gains but have faced criticism from Netanyahu and his allies. Eisenkot said coalition partners must support Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, its declaration of independence, military or national service, and recognise Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
Herzog’s announcement does not guarantee that Eisenkot will become prime minister, as he must negotiate a viable coalition.
However, the decision marks another setback for Netanyahu, whose bloc lost its parliamentary majority in the election.
