Israel Prez tasks Eisenkot with forming next gov’t

JERUSALEM, Nov 8: Israel's President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader GadiEisenkot with forming the next government following last week's election, marking a major challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's nearly two-decade political dominance, as tensions with Iran threaten to fuel further conflict.

Herzog announced on Saturday that Eisenkot, a former military chief and political newcomer, would receive the first opportunity to form a government after the October 27 election, in which neither the opposition nor Netanyahu's ruling bloc secured a parliamentary majority. The formal appointment ceremony is scheduled for Sunday at the president's residence in Jerusalem.

Eisenkot's opposition bloc was recommended by parties representing 67 lawmakers, compared with 46 for Netanyahu's bloc. However, forming a coalition remains challenging because the support includes Israeli Arab lawmakers, whose participation some right-wing opposition figures have rejected.

Eisenkot has nevertheless opened the door to an alliance with ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, potentially providing enough support to secure the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority.

Following his designation, Eisenkot pledged to do everything possible to establish a new government, calling for a national emergency administration. He has described Netanyahu as a threat to the existence of Israeli democracy and urged members of the prime minister's Likud party and his allies to abandon their partnership with extremist factions.

The political deadlock comes amid growing uncertainty over Israel's military strategy, particularly its confrontation with Iran.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday that Israel's mission against Iran was not complete, accusing Tehran of trying to revive its efforts to obtain nuclear weapons. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear arms.

"With regard to Iran, the mission is still not complete," Katz said, warning that Iran's activities posed a serious threat to Israel.

Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened fresh military strikes against Iran in recent weeks, although it remains unclear whether he has the backing of US President Donald Trump. The US president recently suffered a major electoral setback, partly amid public anger over the war.

Katz also warned Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon against joining any renewed confrontation, threatening severe military retaliation if the group attacked Israel.

"We will not withdraw from the security zones in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria," Katz said, adding that Hezbollah would suffer "extremely severe blows" if it joined Iran in an attack.�" AFP