Israeli President Isaac Herzog formally gave opposition politician Gadi Eisenkot the first chance to form the next government on Sunday evening.
Complex coalition negotiations still lie ahead, but it marked a significant step in the former military chief’s effort to oust Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections held in a deeply divided country. Israel remains scarred by the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and the multifront wars they triggered.
“I hope with all my heart that whatever government is formed will lead to unity, connection and healing among all segments of our people – for our very existence depends on it and we have only one country,” Herzog said at the ceremony at the presidential residence in Jerusalem.