Israel's president has chosen Gadi Eisenkot, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strongest rival , to try to form a new government following a deadlocked election that left neither man with a clear path to power.
Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, is fighting to stay in office after his religious-nationalist coalition lost its majority in the 27 October election but still emerged as the largest bloc in parliament.
Eisenkot, a former military chief, has declined to join forces with Arab parties, with whose support he would have a majority of seats in parliament.
But Arab leaders, incensed by what they view as the racist policies of Netanyahu and his ultranationalist allies, still nominated Eisenkot to try to form a government first — giving him the most endorsements.
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Israeli President Isaac Herzog's office confirmed the decision on Saturday.
"President Herzog has invited Gadi Eisenkot to the President's Residence, where he will be tasked with forming the government tomorrow," a spokesperson said.
The Israeli president's largely ceremonial role involves nominating a candidate to form a coalition after elections.
Weeks of protracted negotiations are expected to follow Eisenkot's nomination.
He has 28 days to try to forge a government, with a possible 14-day extension.
His potential pathways to power include trying to form a minority government with Arab support from the outside, forming a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties that he and his allies have shunned in the past or forging a unity government with Netanyahu.
Analysts say that all three options are unlikely to take shape.
If Eisenkot fails, another candidate can try to form a government and if that candidate fails, parliament can nominate another.
There is a deadline for the process of about 100 days.
If no one succeeds, another election is held.
