Politics
Following Israel’s general election, the country’s newly elected parliament, the Knesset, has officially been sworn in. However, a political deadlock has prevented the formation of a new government.
Following Israel’s general election, the country’s newly elected parliament, the Knesset, has officially been sworn in. However, a political deadlock has prevented the formation of a new government. According to the election results, incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to secure a parliamentary majority, while his main political rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, was also unable to demonstrate the required majority on his own. In view of the impasse, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has formally invited Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government and entrusted him with the task. In the 120-member Knesset, Eisenkot’s party and its allies hold 48 seats, while Netanyahu’s bloc has secured 53. Arab parties represented in parliament hold 19 seats and have traditionally been strongly opposed to Netanyahu. This makes it highly likely that Eisenkot could receive their indirect support in his bid to form a government. President Isaac Herzog has appealed to all parliamentary leaders to set aside their political differences and form a government without delay, in order to spare the country another round of early elections.
