UPDATE: Herzog Selects Eisenkot for First Attempt to Form Government; Formal Mandate Sunday

President Isaac Herzog announced Saturday evening that he had selected Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot for the first attempt to form Israel's next government.

Eisenkot is due to receive the formal mandate at the President's Residence on Sunday, November 8, at 5 p.m. Israel time. The announcement chooses who gets the first opportunity to assemble a government; it does not make Eisenkot prime minister or establish that he has a governing coalition.

Herzog informed Eisenkot and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of his decision after consultations with the Knesset parties and additional talks over the weekend.

Parties representing 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot, compared with 46 for Netanyahu. The seven-seat United Torah Judaism party recommended neither candidate. Recommendations to the president are distinct from commitments to join a coalition.

After formally receiving the mandate, Eisenkot will have 28 days to form a government. Herzog can grant an extension of up to 14 days. If Eisenkot does not succeed, another candidate could receive the opportunity.

Eisenkot's path remains uncertain. His Jewish-led opposition partners and the Arab-led parties differ over the shape of a government, while possible cooperation with the chareidi parties faces disagreements over military conscription and other issues.

Responding to the announcement, Eisenkot called for a national emergency government. Coalition talks remain underway, with no completed agreement announced in the sources reviewed.