Israel tasks opposition leader Eisenkot with forming government, backed by 67 lawmakers

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has given opposition leader and former army chief Gadi Eisenkot the mandate to form a new coalition government. This gives Eisenkot, a rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the first opportunity to form a government.

During consultations with the president on government formation following last week's elections, 67 lawmakers expressed support for Eisenkot, while only 46 lawmakers backed Netanyahu.

Following this development, discussion has begun on what happens next in the cases running against Netanyahu. There is also discussion about what influence the Muslim community will have in an Eisenkot-led government.