Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new coalition government after last week's election resulted in no party securing a majority in the Knesset. Eisenkot has 28 days to negotiate a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension, as he seeks to navigate a complex political landscape involving both Jewish and Arab parties.
The election saw Netanyahu's Likud party and its allies winning 53 seats, while Eisenkot's bloc secured 48. The Arab parties, with a combined 19 seats, could play a crucial role in coalition talks, although most Jewish parties have previously ruled out collaboration with them. Eisenkot's challenge will be to form a stable government amid a historically fragmented political environment in Israel.
Eisenkot's coalition-building efforts will be closely watched, especially regarding potential negotiations with Arab parties. Observers should note how he navigates the historical reluctance of Jewish parties to collaborate with them, which could redefine Israeli politics.