Political negotiations over the formation of Israel’s next government have intensified after opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot secured recommendations from 67 lawmakers during consultations with President Isaac Herzog.
The support gives Eisenkot more parliamentary recommendations than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who received backing from 46 members of the 120-seat Knesset.
The figures were announced by Herzog on November 5, following consultations with representatives of the political factions elected to the 26th Knesset.
The Joint List, an alliance of Arab political parties, also recommended Eisenkot for the government formation mandate. The United Arab List, known as Ra’am, separately backed him during the consultations.
Herzog to announce decision on Sunday
Despite Eisenkot receiving more recommendations, Herzog has cautioned that the numbers do not automatically establish who can successfully form a government.
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The president said mutual objections between political blocs, as well as disagreements within the blocs themselves, have made the coalition picture uncertain.
Herzog plans to hold further discussions with party leaders before announcing on Sunday which member of the Knesset will receive the mandate to form the next government.
Parliamentary support does not guarantee coalition
Although Eisenkot has secured recommendations from 67 lawmakers, the support does not necessarily mean all those parties will join his governing coalition.
The president’s decision will depend on his assessment of which candidate has the ability to assemble a government capable of securing parliamentary confidence.
Netanyahu remains prime minister while the process continues. The coming days are expected to be crucial for negotiations among the political parties as Israel moves towards its next government.
