Israel President taps Netanyahu’s rival Eisenkot to form government

Israel President taps Netanyahu’s rival Eisenkot to form government Jerusalem – President Isaac Herzog has formally tasked Benny Eisenkot, the leader of the centrist Blue‑White party, with assembling a new coalition after the latest parliamentary election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud bloc short of a majority. The decision, announced at the President’s office on Tuesday, reflects the President’s constitutional prerogative to seek a stable government and underscores the growing fragmentation of Israel’s political landscape, where no single party commands an outright mandate. Eisenkot, 55, will now negotiate with a dozen potential partners over the coming weeks..

Eisenkot’s appointment marks a dramatic shift in the post‑election calculus. While Likud secured the largest share of the vote, its 30‑seat haul fell well below the 61 needed to govern. The ultra‑nationalist Religious Zionist and far‑right Otzma Yehudit parties together hold enough seats to push Netanyahu back into the premiership, but their controversial platforms have alienated many moderate factions..

By inviting Eisenkot, Herzog signals a preference for a centrist‑leaning coalition that could marginalise the hard‑right and restore a more balanced cabinet. In a televised address, President Herzog praised Eisenkot’s “record of public service, integrity and willingness to bridge divides.” He reminded the nation that the president’s role is to “ensure the formation of a government that reflects the diverse aspirations of all Israelis, from the high‑tech corridors of Tel Aviv to the kibbutzim of the north.” Herzog’s comments, while diplomatic, were read by analysts as a subtle rebuke of Netanyahu’s increasingly polarising tenure and a hint that the presidency will play an active part in shaping the next administration. Eisenkot, who served as Minister of Defense and head of the Israel Defense Forces’ Planning Directorate, responded with cautious optimism..

In a press conference, he thanked President Herzog and pledged to “listen to every party, respect the democratic will of the electorate, and work tirelessly for a government that can address security, the cost of living and the urgent need for social cohesion.” He acknowledged the challenge of reconciling disparate agendas, especially on issues such as judicial reform, settlement policy and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Political commentators note that Eisenkot’s task will be arduous. The Blue‑White party, which campaigned on restoring the rule of law and curbing the influence of religious parties, secured 12 seats, placing it behind Likud but ahead of the centre‑left Labor and Meretz blocs..

To reach a working majority, Eisenkot must court both the left‑leaning opposition and several centrist splinter groups, including the newly formed “New Hope” party led by former Likud minister Gideon Sa’ar, which holds eight seats and has signalled openness to a non‑Netanyahu coalition. Negotiations are expected to centre on three core pillars: security, economics and the judiciary. The security portfolio will be a particular sticking point, as the Defense Ministry has traditionally been a stronghold of the right‑wing..

Eisenkot, a former defense chief, is well‑placed to reassure hawkish allies, but he will need to offer concessions to parties such as Yesh Atid, which demands greater civilian oversight and a clear roadmap for disengagement from the West Bank. Balancing these demands without alienating the hard‑right could prove decisive. Economic policy is another flashpoint..

Israel’s cost‑of‑living crisis has driven public discontent, with consumer prices soaring and housing affordability at historic lows. Eisenkot has pledged a “social contract” that includes tax relief for middle‑class families, increased funding for public schools and a targeted stimulus for the high‑tech sector. However, parties like Labor insist on a more expansive welfare state, while right‑leaning factions demand tax cuts for businesses..

Crafting a budget that satisfies both sides will require delicate compromise. The judiciary reform debate, sparked by Netanyahu’s attempts to limit the Supreme Court’s power, remains the most divisive issue in the Knesset. Eisenkot has publicly opposed sweeping changes that would undermine judicial independence, aligning him with the “Blue‑White‑Labor‑Meretz” bloc..

Yet, coalition partners from the religious parties view any curtailment of judicial activism as an affront to their values. The President’s earlier statements warned that a government unable to resolve this impasse could trigger further street protests and deepen societal rifts. International observers are watching closely..

The United States, European Union and Arab neighbours have all expressed concern over Israel’s political volatility, particularly given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A centrist government led by Eisenkot could be more amenable to diplomatic outreach and the revival of stalled peace initiatives. Conversely, a coalition that leans heavily on hard‑right parties may exacerbate regional tensions and hinder foreign aid flows..

In the coming days, Eisenkot will meet with party leaders at the Knesset’s “Coalition Building” centre, a tradition dating back to Israel’s early parliamentary history. Sources close to the negotiations say that initial talks with Yesh Atid and New Hope have been “constructive,” but that disagreements over the timing of a possible cease‑fire in Gaza remain “highly contentious.” Eisenkot is expected to present a draft coalition agreement to President Herzog within three weeks, after which the President will formally endorse the new government. If successful, Eisenkot could become Israel’s first centrist prime minister in over a decade, ending Netanyahu’s longest continuous spell in office..

Such a transition would signal a shift toward moderate governance, potentially easing internal fractures and restoring confidence.