Herzog to choose government-forming candidate on Sunday

Politics · First reported 5 Nov, 21:27 · Updated 22:13

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center / Jonny Kim · Public domain

Isaac Herzog says he will name a candidate to try to form Israel’s next government on Sunday. Gadi Eisenkot has 67 lawmakers’ endorsements to Benjamin Netanyahu’s 46, but Herzog says divisions between and within the political blocs make the path to a coalition uncertain.

Herzog plans to announce his choice on Sunday, after consultations with party leaders; he said he would also hold individual talks before deciding.
In the consultations, 67 lawmakers endorsed Eisenkot and 46 endorsed Netanyahu. The election left no bloc with the 61 seats needed for a majority.
Eisenkot has ruled out bringing the Arab-led parties into his government, although both backed him in the consultations.
United Torah Judaism withheld its endorsement of Netanyahu, citing disagreement over legislation exempting ultra-Orthodox men from military service.
The person Herzog selects will have 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension; if efforts fail through the subsequent steps, a new election would be called.

Summary written by Lux AI from 5 articles

Key facts

Herzog’s announcement: Sunday; he has not publicly committed to either candidate.
Lawmakers’ endorsements: Eisenkot: 67; Netanyahu: 46.
Seats needed for a majority: 61 of the Knesset’s 120 seats.
Arab-led parties: They hold 19 seats and endorsed Eisenkot; he has ruled out bringing them into government.
First formation period: The nominee gets 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension.