Israeli president gives Eisenkot first chance to form next government

Israeli President Isaac Herzog formally gave opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the first chance to form the next government, a key step after Israel’s Oct. 27 election left no bloc with a clear parliamentary majority. Herzog said there was support from a majority of Knesset members for Eisenkot to attempt coalition-building, but the decision does not guarantee he will become prime minister. Eisenkot, a former military chief, has up to six weeks to secure alliances. The process is complicated by the country’s scars from the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks and ongoing multi-front wars. Potential partners include Arab-led parties, whose participation remains politically fraught.