Israel’s Next Prime Minister to Be Decided on Sunday

Darwin, November 8: Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to announce on Sunday whom he will nominate to form the country’s next government following consultations with representatives of various political parties on Thursday, November 5.

So far, 67 members of Israel’s 120-seat parliament, the Knesset, have backed Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister, paving the way for him to receive the mandate to attempt to form a new government, The Times of Israel reported.

Following the consultations, Herzog said parties representing 67 lawmakers had recommended Eisenkot for the premiership. Meanwhile, parties representing 46 lawmakers had expressed support for incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Although the outcome of the consultations was relatively clear, Herzog said he would hold further discussions with party leaders before making his final decision on who should receive the mandate to form a government. He is expected to announce his decision on Sunday.

Eisenkot’s party calls for immediate mandate

Eisenkot’s party, Yashar, has called on Herzog to give him the mandate to form a government without delay.

The party claims that Eisenkot has secured the largest number of parliamentary recommendations for a prime ministerial candidate since 2015.

However, despite securing the backing of a majority of lawmakers, it remains uncertain whether Eisenkot will be able to assemble a stable coalition.

The parties opposed to Netanyahu are broadly divided into two groups. One consists of four predominantly Jewish parties with a combined 48 lawmakers, while the other comprises two Arab-led parties with 19 members.

All six parties have recommended Eisenkot for prime minister. However, three of the Jewish-led parties have so far refused to join a coalition with the Arab parties.

Netanyahu’s coalition faces uncertainty

In last week’s election, Netanyahu’s outgoing coalition secured 53 seats.

However, the seven-member United Torah Judaism party did not recommend Netanyahu for prime minister, raising the possibility that it could eventually support a government led by Eisenkot.

Such a development could make it easier for Eisenkot to secure the parliamentary backing needed to form a coalition.

Lieberman may reconsider coalition position

Channel 12 News reported on Thursday that Eisenkot’s chances of forming a government could improve further.

According to the report, Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beytenu party, has shown willingness to reconsider his longstanding position and enter a coalition with ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties.

Lieberman, who is known for his secular political outlook, reportedly considers removing Netanyahu from power a greater priority at this stage.

According to the report, Lieberman believes that forming a government with ultra-Orthodox parties would be preferable to relying on the support of Arab-led parties.

Under such an arrangement, Eisenkot and Lieberman could potentially agree to share the premiership for different periods of the government’s term.

Discussions could also include the issue of mandatory military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, a longstanding point of political disagreement in Israel.

New Knesset speaker election could reshape political balance

Amid the ongoing political uncertainty, the newly elected Knesset is expected to choose its speaker shortly after being sworn in on November 10.

The move could result in the removal of the current speaker from Netanyahu’s Likud party.

The speaker holds considerable authority over parliamentary proceedings and, together with deputy speakers, plays an important role in determining the legislative agenda.

On Thursday, the Arab party Ra’am formally joined Yashar, the Joint Arab List, Yisrael Beytenu and the Democrats in demanding an early vote for the position of speaker.

Current Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana has said he would schedule discussions on selecting his successor if at least 61 lawmakers formally submit such a request.

The upcoming presidential decision and subsequent coalition negotiations are expected to determine whether Eisenkot can translate his parliamentary support into a functioning government and bring an end to Netanyahu’s tenure.

Source: The Times of Israel