Eisenkot’s Entry, Netanyahu’s Exit: A Test for Peace

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog faces a defining moment on Sunday. His decision on whom to nominate to form the next government must be clear, decisive and guided by the long-term interests of the country rather than political expediency.

According to media reports, 67 lawmakers in the 120-member Knesset have recommended opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, against 46 supporting Benjamin Netanyahu. Although the numbers appear decisive, mutual vetoes among political blocs have complicated the formation of a governing coalition.

Herzog must look beyond parliamentary arithmetic. His choice should reflect the urgent need to end the confrontation, to be precise, the war. Israelis have remained under a war-like situation since October 7, 2023. Continuing this cycle of hostility cannot be presented as a sustainable national strategy.

Eisenkot, despite receiving a majority of recommendations, faces a formidable challenge. Critics argue that he and Netanyahu represent two sides of the same coin. If he wishes to disprove this perception, he must demonstrate that his leadership can deliver a fundamentally different political and regional direction.

The most difficult, yet necessary, step would be to bring Arab parties into a governing alliance. Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot have reportedly ruled out such an arrangement, despite Arab lawmakers recommending Eisenkot. This contradiction exposes the limitations of Israel’s political inclusion.

Under the principle of “Mutual Coexistence,” Arab citizens must be treated as legitimate political stakeholders rather than convenient supporters whose votes are welcomed but whose participation is rejected.

Making Arab parties part of a governing coalition may prove to be one of the most difficult political tasks. However, if Israel genuinely seeks sustainable peace, this bitter pill has to be swallowed.

The peaceful transfer of power is a fundamental requirement of democracy. Netanyahu’s allegations of election irregularities, despite the Election Committee’s assurance that the integrity of the election was not compromised, should not be allowed to undermine public confidence.

Herzog must therefore nominate the candidate who offers the best opportunity to establish a government committed to reconciliation, inclusion and regional stability.

Eisenkot’s entry and Netanyahu’s exit could mark a turning point. However, changing the prime minister without changing the political mindset will merely reproduce the existing confrontation.

The real test is not who occupies the prime minister’s office, but who is prepared to end the war and build peace.