As efforts to form a government continue following the general elections held in Israel on October 27, the parliament has begun its term with the swearing-in of members. Presiding over the swearing-in ceremony, Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed the lawmakers, stating, "You must do everything in your power to prevent another election. Even if you are rivals, reach out to one another for compromise. Approach each other with tolerance. There is much work to be done here, and it requires the talent and experience found in every corner of this parliament."
On November 8, Herzog had tasked Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar Party, who received the support of the majority of lawmakers, with forming a government. Eisenkot has not yet been able to reach an agreement with parties that could bring him to power. If Eisenkot and Netanyahu fail to form a coalition, the country could face another election. Binyamin Netanyahu will continue to serve as interim prime minister until a government is formed.
Arab parties may support Eisenkot
Although the alliance between Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party and far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties received more votes than expected in the elections, it lost its majority in parliament. The alliance holds 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset. Eisenkot's center-right Yashar party and its allies, consisting of various political groups, secured only 48 seats. However, there is a possibility that Eisenkot could receive support from Arab parties, which hold a total of 19 seats. These parties are aligned with Eisenkot due to their strong opposition to Netanyahu.
Eisenkot has until December 20 at the latest to form a government
Eisenkot has until December 6 to form a government, but he can request an additional two-week extension to extend this period until December 20. Eisenkot has acknowledged that the path to power is "extraordinarily complex." Ultra-Orthodox parties have so far announced that they will not join a government led by Eisenkot.
News Source: 12punto
