Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced Saturday that he will give former military chief Gadi Eisenkot the first opportunity to form Israel’s next government, handing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a significant political setback nearly two weeks after the country’s parliamentary elections.
\n\nThe decision places Eisenkot, leader of the opposition Yashar party, in position to challenge Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, although assembling a governing coalition remains a formidable obstacle.
\n\nDespite securing recommendations from 67 of the Knesset’s 120 incoming lawmakers, Eisenkot’s four-party “change bloc” holds just 48 seats, while Netanyahu’s outgoing coalition controls 53, leaving neither side with a parliamentary majority.
\n\nHerzog informed both leaders of his decision Saturday following consultations with representatives of the newly elected parliament and additional discussions over the weekend. Eisenkot will formally receive the mandate Sunday at 5 p.m. local time, beginning a 28-day period to form a government that the president can extend by up to 14 days.
\n\nNetanyahu, whose Likud party won 27 seats in the October 27 election, more than any other party, will remain prime minister while coalition negotiations proceed.
\n\nShould Eisenkot fail, Herzog could offer Netanyahu or another lawmaker an opportunity to form a government, potentially prolonging the political deadlock that has…
Original source: https://www.breitbart.com/tech/
