Netanyahu and Eisenkot Seek Shot to Be Israel’s Premier
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Israeli party leaders will meet with President Isaac Herzog this week to recommend a candidate for prime minister following an inconclusive election.
- Politicians from 11 parties, including secular liberals, ultra-Orthodox Jews, and Arab representatives, will present their cases in livestreamed meetings starting Wednesday.
- The president will assign the mandate to form a coalition to the candidate he finds most viable, who will have up to six weeks to build a government.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and center-right rival Gadi Eisenkot are the main contenders, but neither secured a clear majority, indicating prolonged coalition negotiations ahead.
- Political analysts note the potential for shifts within Netanyahu’s bloc, as some parties or lawmakers might defect to Eisenkot’s side in exchange for influence.
