Israel’s president has asked Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, giving the former military chief 28 days to secure 61 Knesset seats, according to Al Jazeera.
President Isaac Herzog formally gave Gadi Eisenkot the task of forming a government after an inconclusive election, in a move that puts Benjamin Netanyahu’s time as prime minister at risk. Al Jazeera reports that Eisenkot now has 28 days to cobble together a coalition with a majority in the 120-seat Knesset, with the key threshold set at 61 seats.
For the UK, a change of government in Israel carries diplomatic weight. Britain maintains close security and trade ties with Israel, and any new coalition will shape Israel’s posture on Gaza, the wider region and relations with European partners. The Foreign Office in London, under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, will be watching the coalition negotiations for signals on policy that could affect British interests and the UK’s role in mediation efforts.
How the process works
Under Israel’s parliamentary system, the president designates a candidate to try to form a government after elections, and that candidate then has a set period to secure support from a majority of Knesset members. Al Jazeera’s report says Herzog has given Eisenkot 28 days to secure 61 seats and replace Netanyahu as prime minister, a deadline that will focus intense negotiation among parties that performed strongly in the vote.
Eisenkot is a former military chief, a background that gives him authority on security issues but also raises questions about how he would govern a coalition of parties with different priorities. The Al Jazeera video synthesis says the president chose Eisenkot over Netanyahu, indicating that the veteran leader did not command the clearest path to a majority.
Why it matters
A new Israeli government could shift the tone of UK-Israel relations and of Britain’s engagement with the wider Middle East. British policy on Gaza, settlements, security cooperation and trade all intersect with who leads Israel and which parties hold power in coalition. British Jewish communities and organisations with links to Israel will also be watching closely, as will British Muslims and others with family ties in the region who are affected by Israeli policy.
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The coalition arithmetic also matters for regional stability. A fragile coalition may struggle to deliver a coherent foreign policy, while a more stable government could pursue a clearer agenda on security and diplomacy. Either outcome will be assessed in London for its impact on efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect civilians.
What happens next
Eisenkot has 28 days from the designation to present a government to the Knesset, and negotiations with parties across the political spectrum are expected to begin immediately. If he cannot secure 61 seats, the process may move to another candidate or to further elections, prolonging uncertainty.
In Britain, the Foreign Office is expected to engage with whoever emerges as Israel’s next leadership, while MPs will debate the implications for UK policy. Further reporting on the coalition talks is expected as parties weigh their demands and red lines.
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