Netanyahu, Eisenkot Seek Shot at Becoming Israel’s Next Premier After Election Deadlock
Leaders make their recommendations
Party leaders are due to visit Herzog’s residence this week and formally name their choice for Israel’s next prime minister. The meetings are scheduled to take place over two days, beginning Wednesday, and will be livestreamed.
Politicians from 11 parties are expected to take part. Their parties represent groups including secular liberals, ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arab voters. Herzog will give the mandate to the candidate he judges most likely to form a coalition, who will have up to six weeks.
No clear parliamentary majority
Most party leaders are expected to support Netanyahu, the longtime right-wing leader, or Eisenkot, his main rival, a center-right politician. Neither man’s party secured a majority of 61 seats in the 120-member Parliament.
That result is likely to lead to weeks or months of talks among parties and elected lawmakers. Politicians are negotiating behind the scenes as they seek leverage with opponents and potential partners.
Allies weigh their options
Netanyahu has long maintained a firm hold over his bloc of conservative and religious parties. Yet analysts say some allies could leave, including ultra-Orthodox lawmakers or more moderate right-wing members of his Likud faction, if they could gain influence in a government led by Eisenkot.
“It’s a game of chicken,” said Nevo Cohen, a political strategist who ran Itamar Ben-Gvir’s 2022 election campaign. Ben-Gvir is the far-right national security minister.
Key points
- Herzog will hear recommendations from politicians representing 11 parties, beginning Wednesday.
- The candidate Herzog considers most viable will have up to six weeks to form a coalition.
- Neither Netanyahu’s nor Eisenkot’s party won a 61-seat majority in the 120-member Parliament.
- Some members of Netanyahu’s bloc could consider joining an Eisenkot-led government.