Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu may be losing his grip on power after years of dominating the country's politics. On November 7, President Isaac Herzog announced that he has given Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu's main rival, the task of forming a new coalition government. This move comes after the October 27 legislative elections failed to give either of the two main political blocs a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
The decision marks a significant blow to Netanyahu, whose nationalist and religious coalition no longer holds a majority. According to consultations with the president, 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot to lead the next government, while 46 supported Netanyahu. Seven lawmakers did not recommend either candidate. Eisenkot, a 66-year-old former Israeli army chief of staff, has emerged as the main opposition face to Netanyahu, with his Yashar party securing 21 seats in the elections.
However, forming a coalition government will not be easy for Eisenkot. One of the main challenges lies in the role of Israeli Arab parties, which have historically been excluded from coalition governments. These parties, which hold 19 seats, supported Eisenkot during presidential consultations, but their inclusion in a coalition is opposed by some parties in his bloc. Eisenkot himself has expressed reservations about an alliance with Arab parties, which could prove decisive in securing a parliamentary majority.
Netanyahu has strongly denounced the possibility of a coalition government that includes Arab parties, warning that it would lead to the "collapse of the State of Israel". This statement highlights the tensions surrounding the role of Arab citizens and their representatives in Israeli institutions. The next government will have to navigate these complex issues, which have exposed deep divisions within Israeli society.
Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with the option of a 14-day extension. Several scenarios are possible, including a minority coalition with external support from Arab parties, an agreement with certain religious parties, or a national unity government. However, each of these options faces significant political hurdles. For Netanyahu, who has dominated Israeli politics for years, losing the prime minister post is a major setback.
The crisis has exposed the fractures within Israeli society, particularly around the Palestinian issue, the role of Arab citizens, and the future of the ruling coalition. The next step will be crucial: can Eisenkot translate the support expressed in the Knesset into an effective government majority? The outcome will depend on his ability to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries within Israeli politics.
As Israel prepares for a new government, the international community is watching closely. The country's future direction will depend on the policies of the next government, particularly on issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of Arab citizens. With the country facing significant challenges, the success or failure of Eisenkot's government will have far-reaching implications for Israel and the region.
Key points
- Gadi Eisenkot has been tasked with forming a new coalition government in Israel.
- The move marks a significant blow to Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, who has dominated Israeli politics for years.
- The next government will have to navigate complex issues, including the role of Arab citizens and their representatives in Israeli institutions.
