Israeli president picks Netanyahu's rival Eisenkot to try to form government
FRANCE24.COM
Eisenkot
SUMMARY

Israeli President Isaac Herzog tapped former military chief Gadi Eisenkot on Saturday to try to form a government after last month’s election produced no clear majority. Benjamin Netanyahu remains the leader of the largest parliamentary bloc but lacks a viable coalition.

Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s chief rival, leads an anti-Netanyahu bloc that has rejected partnering with Arab parties despite those parties’ willingness to endorse him. Arab leaders, upset with Netanyahu and his far-right partners, nominated Eisenkot during extensive talks with Herzog.

The decision follows a deadlocked vote on October 27 that left coalition-building unresolved.

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