Update - Eisenkot Secures 67 Recommendations to Form Israel’s Next Government

Gadi Eisenkot has secured the backing of 67 lawmakers following consultations with President Isaac Herzog, compared with 46 expected recommendations for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. United Torah Judaism’s seven lawmakers declined to endorse either candidate. Herzog must decide by November 11 whom to task with forming a government. Meanwhile, Israel’s 26th Knesset will be sworn in on Tuesday, November 10, when lawmakers could also vote to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Eisenkot’s 67 endorsements do not guarantee he can form a governing coalition.