Israel Elections: Gadi Eisenkot Faces Tough Coalition Challenge

Israel's President Isaac Herzog has chosen opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to try to form the country's next government. The decision is a setback for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose ruling alliance failed to secure a parliamentary majority in the last month's election. But forming a new government will not be easy for Eisenkot either. Avishay Koren tells us why. The October election has brought a major political setback for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has decided to give opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the first chance to form the country's next government. The announcement came after days of consultations with political parties. Eisenkot, a former military chief and leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party, received the backing of 67 lawmakers. Netanyahu received Forty-six recommendations. Seven lawmakers chose not to back either candidate. The October 27 election left Israel with a divided parliament. Netanyahu's right-wing bloc won 53 seats, while Eisenkot's opposition bloc secured 48 in the 120-member Knesset. The remaining 19 seats went to two Arab-led alliances. A government needs the support of at least 61 lawmakers. This gives the Arab parties a crucial role in the government formation process. But their support comes with political challenges, as several Jewish parties have opposed working with them. Meanwhile, hundreds of Israelis gathered at Tel Aviv's Habima Square, calling for political change and greater cooperation between Jewish and Arab communities. So we came here tonight to say that the Israeli public wants a change, that 67 mandates said we don't want the old politics, we want to end the war, we want to rebuild Israel and to make something new and great back in Israel and we want to reestablish Israel as a democracy. Democracy as a state that works for all its citizens and also rebuild our relationship with the U.S. and Europe and the rest of the world. But the road ahead is difficult. Eisenkot could seek support from Arab parties, try to reach an agreement with religious parties or negotiate a broad unity government with Netanyahu's Likud party. Netanyahu has also called for a national unity government. Eisenkot is due to formally receive the mandate from President Herzog on Sunday. He will then have 28 days to form a government with a possible extension of 14 days. If he fails, Netanyahu or another lawmaker could get a chance. For now, Israel faces weeks of political negotiations with the country's next government still uncertain. Avishay Koren for DD India.