Written by: Basant El-Farmawy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the formation of a national unity government on the eve of the expected presidential mandate decision on Sunday, indicating that a unity government would permanently remove the Iranian nuclear threat, and warned that an alliance with Arab parties would dismantle the State of Israel.
Gadi Eizenkot Party Response
The Gadi Eizenkot party responded to Netanyahu's statements, saying that the one who tore apart Israeli society does not speak of unity, and that Netanyahu's days in office are numbered, accusing him of working systematically against Israel's unity and failing to dismantle Hamas.
Herzog Sets Mandate Date
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that he will mandate one of the Knesset members to form a government next Sunday, after Gadi Eizenkot surpassed Netanyahu in parliamentary recommendations with the support of the two Arab lists, where 67 deputies recommended Eizenkot compared to 46 for Netanyahu, while 7 abstained from recommending.
Israeli Election Results
Neither of the two camps achieved an absolute majority (61 seats out of 120). The Eizenkot camp obtained 48 seats, and the two Arab lists (United and Joint) recommended his mandate, as they together garnered 19 seats in a result described as historic.
Government Formation Deadline
The candidate chosen by the President will be given 28 days to attempt to form a government, with the possibility of an additional 14-day extension, and Netanyahu will continue as head of the caretaker government until a new coalition is formed or new elections are resorted to.
Herzog's Statements
Herzog expressed confidence in the ability of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) to investigate allegations of foreign interference in the elections, and urged everyone to be patient, emphasizing that the current reality does not allow for the fulfillment of all obligations and promises.
