Netanyahu loses first shot at forming Israeli government
Israel's president chose Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government. Eisenkot is a rival of Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog announced he will invite Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government. Eisenkot leads the centre-right Yashar party.
Netanyahu will not get this chance. Eisenkot will have 28 days to build a coalition.
Most parties in the new parliament, the Knesset, backed Eisenkot for this role. Arab-Israeli parties hold a record 19 seats in parliament.
Netanyahu's Likud party and other right-wing parties have opposed working with Arab-Israeli representatives. If Eisenkot cannot get those parties' support, he will need ultra-Orthodox parties.
These parties backed Netanyahu before.
- 28
- Days to form coalition
- 19 (record)
- Arab-Israeli seats
- Gadi Eisenkot
- Chosen leader
- Yashar
- Eisenkot's party
Why it mattersThis shift moves Israeli politics away from Netanyahu's 10-year leadership. It shows voters want change.
AustraliaNo immediate Australian impact, though Australia follows Israeli politics and potential shifts in Middle East policy.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au·theguardian.com
