Israel's Political Earthquake: President Hands Mandate to Opposition Leader Eisenkot After Netanyahu Deadlock

Israel's president has tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a government, after last week's parliamentary election left neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor that of his rival with a majority in the Knesset. The decision gives the former military chief the first shot at assembling a governing coalition, following a vote that produced no clear winner.

Neither Netanyahu's right-religious bloc nor the opposing camp secured the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-seat parliament, leaving the president to exercise his discretion over whom to invite to form a government. The mandate to Eisenkot reflects the fragmented outcome of the election and opens a period of intensive coalition negotiations, with the shape of any future government dependent on the demands of smaller parties.

The development carries major implications for Israeli domestic and foreign policy, potentially ending Netanyahu's long tenure at the helm. Attention now turns to whether Eisenkot can cobble together a viable majority or whether Israel faces another round of elections. Coalition talks are expected to intensify in the coming days, with party leaders weighing their options and the president's office monitoring the process.