Give Eisenkot a Chance to Prove He Enjoys Majority

There are growing apprehensions that President Isaac Herzog may be under intense domestic and external pressure to ensure Benjamin Netanyahu remains Prime Minister of Israel for as long as possible. Such apprehensions must not be allowed to undermine the democratic process or the mandate emerging from the recent elections.

The October 27 election did not give Netanyahu's political alliance the parliamentary majority required to form a government. Moreover, some of his traditional allies have distanced themselves from him. In contrast, Gadi Eisenkot received recommendations from 67 members of the 120-member Knesset, against 46 for Netanyahu. President Herzog subsequently entrusted Eisenkot with the responsibility of forming the next government.

The question is why should there be any hesitation in allowing the parliamentary process to take its course?

I have two fundamental reasons for opposing Netanyahu's continuation in office. First, his political alliance failed to secure a majority, while several former allies have reconsidered their association with him. Second, he faces international allegations of war crimes, including an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, besides ongoing corruption proceedings at home. These circumstances raise serious questions about his political legitimacy and the credibility of his leadership.

I may not be an ardent supporter of Gadi Eisenkot, nor am I suggesting that he has an easy task ahead. His ability to bring together ideologically divided political groups remains uncertain. However, uncertainty about his ability to secure a working majority cannot be a legitimate reason to deny him an opportunity.

The right to elect a government rests with the elected representatives of the people. The President's constitutional responsibility is to facilitate this process, not to influence its outcome in favour of a particular individual.

Eisenkot should be allowed to negotiate, demonstrate his support and seek the confidence of the Knesset. If he succeeds, he should become Prime Minister. If he fails, the constitutional process provides for the next course of action.

Democracy cannot be selective. Keeping Netanyahu in office merely because some influential quarters prefer him would undermine the very institution that the President is expected to protect.

Justice delayed is justice denied. Israel's elected representatives, not external preferences or political pressure, must decide who governs the country.