President Isaac Herzog tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel's next government.
Why it matters: The assignment starts an effort to build a governing coalition but does not transfer the premiership. Benjamin Netanyahu remains prime minister while Eisenkot tries to assemble support.
- Herzog's office announced that he tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming a government.
- The Associated Press identifies Eisenkot as a former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff.
- Netanyahu remains prime minister while Eisenkot attempts to form a government.
President Isaac Herzog has tasked Gadi Eisenkot with trying to form Israel's next government, according to Herzog's office. The Associated Press also reported the mandate and identified Eisenkot as a former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff.
The assignment is an attempt to form a government, not an immediate transfer of power. Benjamin Netanyahu remains prime minister during the process, the Associated Press reported.
Eisenkot's mandate will depend on whether he can build sufficient support in the Knesset. The available reports do not establish a verified seat count, party breakdown or recommendation tally for the parliamentary factions involved.
The reports also do not establish a verified timetable for the mandate, including its start date, end date or any extension. They do not provide a sourced account of what would happen if Eisenkot fails to form a government.
Yes, but: A mandate to form a government does not guarantee a coalition or change who holds the premiership.