Herzog Gives Gadi Eisenkot the Mandate to Form a Government

In depth

President Isaac Herzog announced that he has completed the round of consultations and will task Gadi Eisenkot with forming the government. Eisenkot was invited to the President's residence for the mandate handover, which will take place the next day at 17:00.

Eisenkot will have 28 days to form a government, and if he fails, he may request a 14-day extension. The president said that all Israeli citizens have an equal vote, and that the State of Israel needs a stable government. Eisenkot said that unusual political moves will be required.

If a government is not formed by February 26, the Knesset will be dissolved ahead of another election, to be held in May.