Israel's President Isaac Herzog has asked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form a new coalition government, dealing a significant blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a deadlocked national election.
Neither Netanyahu's bloc nor his rivals secured an outright majority in last week's parliamentary vote. Following consultations with representatives from parties that won seats in the Knesset, President Herzog announced that most parties recommended the leader of the center-right Yashar party to take the first opportunity to build a government.
While the majority of parties endorsed Eisenkot—a former military chief—President Herzog initially indicated he would take time to consider the appointment due to deep divisions and vehement opposition among certain factions regarding potential coalition partnerships. Ultimately, the mandate was given to Netanyahu's main rival to attempt breaking the political stalemate.
