Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader and Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a government, The Times of Israel reported on Sunday.
“I expect you to do everything in your power to form a government that will serve the entire nation,” Herzog said during the official ceremony at which Eisenkot was given the mandate.
For his part, the opposition leader said that he understood the responsibility placed upon him and intended to take “creative and unconventional steps” to fulfill it.
Earlier, Herzog informed both Eisenkot and incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of his decision. The president selected the candidate for prime minister after consultations with delegations representing all members of the newly elected Knesset. As a result, 67 lawmakers supported Eisenkot, 46 backed Netanyahu, and the rest abstained.
Eisenkot will have 28 days to form a government. If necessary, he will be able to request an additional 14-day period.
EISENKOT, EXPERTS CLUB, GOVERNMENT, HERZOG, ISRAEL, KNESSET, opposition
