Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday formally tasked Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel's next government, at a ceremony at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, JNS reported. Herzog had announced his decision on Saturday night.
"Gadi Eisenkot, I hereby task you with forming the government, and I am therefore honored to present you with the letter of appointment for forming a government in Israel," Herzog said. "I wish you great success in your mission."
Herzog said he was "well aware" that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud holds the most seats in the incoming Knesset, but that "Mr. Eisenkot has received the clear and unequivocal support of a majority of members of Knesset on the most central question: Who has the better chance of forming the next government?"
Parties with 67 incoming lawmakers recommended Eisenkot, including the Arab-majority Joint List and Ra'am. Netanyahu was recommended by 46. United Torah Judaism, with seven seats, abstained.
"The task is difficult and there is much work ahead, but I believe success is within reach. Israel must win," Eisenkot wrote on X.
Under Israeli law, Eisenkot has 28 days to form a coalition, and Herzog can extend that by up to 14 days. If he fails, the president can give another candidate 28 days. If that also fails, a majority of 61 lawmakers can put forward another candidate, and if no government is formed, Israel goes to new elections in about 90 days.
Video: @c14english.
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