Israeli president tasks Gadi Eisenkot with forming new government

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has officially tasked Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yesh Atid party, with forming a new government after Eisenkot secured the backing of 67 Knesset members. In comparison, 46 members supported incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot now has a constitutional period of 28 days to assemble a governing coalition.

According to Israel's Basic Law on the Government, Eisenkot may request additional time to complete coalition negotiations. President Herzog can grant an extension of up to 14 more days if Eisenkot is unable to finalize the coalition within the initial deadline.

Herzog previously stated that consultations with parliamentary blocs aim to explore all available options and alternatives for forming a new government. He also confirmed that he would not rule out holding another round of consultations if necessary.