President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Yashar! party chairman Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel's next government on Sunday, at a ceremony held at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, following his announcement of the decision Saturday night.
In his remarks, Eisenkot appealed to Likud and Religious Zionism to join a government under his leadership, provided they accepted the four principles he had laid out. "If Likud and Religious Zionism members truly believe this is a time for unity, as they told the president, I cannot imagine any reason why they would not come forward and support a government under my leadership and the principles I have presented," he said.
Herzog called for a stable government that would serve all Israeli citizens and warned of the country's security and diplomatic challenges, foremost among them the Iranian threat.
Eisenkot secured the backing of factions representing 67 Knesset members, compared with 46 who recommended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Eisenkot's initial period for forming a government runs through Dec. 6. If granted an extension, the additional period is expected to expire on Dec. 20. Despite the possibility of forming a government relatively quickly, Eisenkot is not expected to inform the president this week that he has succeeded. The reason is a plan to first replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a move not expected to take place before next week.
Once Eisenkot notifies the president that he has formed a government, he will have up to seven days to bring it before the Knesset for a confidence vote and swearing-in ceremony. The bloc seeking to replace Netanyahu's government does not want to convene the Knesset for that purpose before replacing the speaker.
Responding to the president's decision, Eisenkot said, "This is the time to establish a national emergency government. I will do everything to ensure that we are worthy of the task."
His party stressed that the formation of the government would be based on the four principles he had presented, and that any party seeking to join would have to accept them.
Shortly before Herzog announced his decision Saturday night, Netanyahu called for a unity government, warning against forming a government with those he described as supporters of terrorism. "This is a time for unity," Netanyahu said, claiming that some were planning to swear in a government as early as this week with the support of Arab parties.
Yashar! did not rule out a unity government but set three conditions for Likud's participation: breaking its alliance with extremist parties, accepting Eisenkot's four principles and agreeing to join a government led by him. Those principles include recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, acceptance of the values enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, mandatory service for all and a commitment to fighting Hamas and dismantling its military and governing capabilities.
"Until then, this is nothing more than a pathetic political stunt," the party said.
'Every Israeli citizen has an equal voice'
Speaking at the ceremony, Herzog reflected on his consultations with the Knesset factions and the divisions within Israeli society. "These discussions were conducted openly, honestly and transparently, and reflected the essential nature of the democratic process. They also brought to the surface the disagreements and painful issues, and, of course, the diversity of voices within Israeli society and politics," he said.
The president emphasized that the consultations "reminded us all that every Israeli citizen has an equal voice, regardless of their political affiliation, opinions, way of life or beliefs."
Herzog warned of the security and diplomatic challenges confronting Israel. "The challenges facing the State of Israel are enormous. Some require urgent and immediate attention. Iran is not waiting for even a moment in pursuing its plots and threats. We must work to build a diplomatic horizon for the region and address the day after the war. We must advance the 20-point Gaza plan of the Board of Peace and President Trump, as well as negotiations with Lebanon and our other neighbors."
He also cited the fight against terrorism, military conscription, relations between the branches of government, crime and violence, the economy and the need to heal the wounds of Oct. 7. "Israel needs a stable government capable of confronting these challenges over time. This is the moment to reach out, do everything possible for the unity of our people and strive to establish the best and most stable government possible for the people of Israel, who so desperately yearn for one," Herzog said.
Addressing Eisenkot directly, the president added, "I expect you to do everything in your power to form a government that serves the entire nation, both those who supported it and those who did not, and that will be a responsible and fair address for every sector, religion, way of life and worldview."
Looking ahead to coalition negotiations, Herzog urged the parties to exercise restraint. "Please act wisely, sensitively and cautiously. I sincerely hope that any government formed will bring unity, connection and healing to every part of our nation, because our very future depends on it. We have only one country. I will always be ready to help advance this goal."
'Anyone who tries to sabotage the formation of the government will be remembered by history'
Eisenkot thanked the president for placing his trust in him and warned of Israel's precarious security and diplomatic situation. "The theaters of war remain active, and the objectives of the war have yet to be achieved. At the same time, we are in the midst of a devastating diplomatic crisis. Even our closest friends and strategic allies are saying they need to reassess their relations with us," he said.
Turning to the domestic situation, Eisenkot added, "We are living through one of the most vulnerable moments Israeli democracy has ever known. The campaign to delegitimize democracy and the growing distrust of state institutions, fueled daily, have brought us to an extremely dangerous point."
Eisenkot went on to declare that he would work to establish a national emergency government and reach out to every Knesset faction. "Seventy-four Knesset members no longer have confidence in the outgoing government or the man leading it. That is the public's message. That is the people's decision," he said.
He acknowledged that "creative and extraordinary political steps will be required," adding, "I intend to send a formal appeal to every Knesset faction as soon as possible, calling on all its members, both as parties and as individuals, to take part in establishing and swearing in the government."
Eisenkot reiterated the four principles he has set as conditions for joining his government and appealed directly to Likud and Religious Zionism. "For me, unity is not a political bargaining chip or an empty trick, but a supreme value that represents genuine and wholehearted partnership. If Likud and Religious Zionism members truly believe this is a time for unity, as they told the president, I cannot imagine any reason why they would not come forward and support a government under my leadership and the principles I have presented."
"My door is open and my hand is extended, wholeheartedly and willingly," he added, warning that "anyone who tries to sabotage the formation of the government for personal rather than substantive reasons will be remembered by history as someone who failed to save Israel in a time of emergency."
Ahead of coalition negotiations, Eisenkot acknowledged the difficulties facing the prospective government. "We are probably facing the most complex and sensitive political situation since the establishment of the state. No one will be able to fulfill every promise they made, and we will all have to compromise," he said.
He pledged to act with patience and composure, stressing, "I intend to be the prime minister of all Israeli citizens, those who voted for me and those who did not. I have no intention of allowing one part of society to defeat another."
Eisenkot concluded with a declaration: "Israel must win. And I will do everything in my power to make sure it does."
