Eisenkot calls for forming an 'emergency government' in Israel as soon as possible

Eisenkot said an 'emergency government' must be formed as soon as possible

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Israeli Yashar party, said on Tuesday that he believes it necessary to form an 'emergency government' 'as soon as possible' — two days after receiving the mandate to form a coalition. Speaking before the newly elected Knesset, he said that Israel is 'at a crossroads' and is going through perhaps the most difficult period since the founding of the state, Anadolu reports, citing the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

Talks with partners and Bennett's position

Eisenkot said he would work with his partners and reach out to other parties, some of which he has already invited to join the government. He emphasized his commitment to servicemen and promised to form a government 'without abandoning his principles.' Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who leads the 'Together' bloc, said he is doing everything possible to help Eisenkot quickly form a government and ease the burden on reservists serving along Israel's borders. 'We have received the necessary tools to create a good government in Israel. But there is no time,' Bennett said, promising, in his words, a 'reservists' revolution.'

Lieberman's statement and the attorney general's position

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, told his faction that if he is elected chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, his first step would be to summon the head of the internal security service 'Shin Bet' and the police chief for questioning about what he called suspicion of foreign interference in the elections. He also said he had initially sought the post of chairman of the finance committee but agreed to the defense committee so as not to complicate the negotiations. On Monday, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said she was not aware of any evidence capable of influencing the election results.

Context of the mandate and election results

President Isaac Herzog officially tasked Eisenkot with forming a government on Sunday: 67 lawmakers recommended him, while 46 supported outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension. Neither Eisenkot's bloc nor Netanyahu's allies won a majority in the 120-seat Knesset in the October 27 elections. The Arab parties Ra'am and the 'Joint List,' which together won 19 mandates, recommended Eisenkot during consultations with Herzog.