Gadi Eisenkot tasked with forming new Israeli government amidst political uncertainty

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has mandated Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yeshar" party, to form a new government. This decision follows consultations in which Eisenkot secured the backing of 67 Knesset members, compared to 46 for Benjamin Netanyahu, with one 7-seat party remaining neutral. This development puts Netanyahu's long-standing political career in jeopardy, despite his push for a national unity government. Eisenkot faces a difficult path to secure a parliamentary majority, as his bloc holds only 48 seats. He must navigate complex negotiations with Arab or ultra-religious parties, which are currently divided on issues such as military service exemptions. Eisenkot has 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension, to finalize his cabinet and determine the country's political future.