Politics
Israel’s Herzog to Decide on Government Formation Amid Deadlock
The Guardian · 54 minutes ago · Read the Full Story on The Guardian
AI SUMMARY
Israeli President Isaac Herzog will announce on Sunday whether Gadi Eisenkot or Benjamin Netanyahu will be given the first opportunity to form a new government following a deadlocked election.
- Gadi Eisenkot secured endorsements from 67 out of 120 Knesset lawmakers, while Benjamin Netanyahu received 46 endorsements.
- President Isaac Herzog stated that mutual vetoes between and within political blocs make it difficult to determine who has the best chance to form a government.
- Herzog announced he will decide on Sunday which of the two candidates will attempt to form a government first, following personal talks with party leaders over the weekend.
- Netanyahu’s coalition lost its majority, dropping from 68 to 53 seats in the Knesset, while Eisenkot’s Change bloc holds 48 seats.
- Arab-majority parties representing Israeli Palestinians secured a record 19 seats, making them potential kingmakers.
- Turnout among Arab Israelis more than doubled to about 80% during the election.
- Eisenkot has set conditions for any coalition with Arab parties, requiring them to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, accept compulsory national service, and denounce Hamas as a terrorist organization.
- Netanyahu remains prime minister in a caretaker government until a new coalition is formed or another election is held.
- Netanyahu has cast doubt on election results by alleging vote tampering by Palestinian-led parties, though Israel’s Central Election Committee confirmed the election's integrity was not compromised.
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