Shas to Recommend Netanyahu as Eisenkot Expects Mandate

Shas has settled on Benjamin Netanyahu as its choice for prime minister, Amit Segal reported. The mandate to form Israel's next government is nonetheless expected to go to Yashar! leader Gadi Eisenkot, who faces serious obstacles to securing the premiership in the time he will be given.

The parties deliver their recommendations at the President's Residence to President Isaac Herzog. After consulting the Knesset factions, he decides which lawmaker receives the mandate.

That lawmaker has 28 days to assemble a coalition. The deadline can be extended by 14 days, giving the candidate six weeks at most.

The days after the election brought a wave of speculation and rumors through the political system. On Monday, Netanyahu issued a statement in support of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri. The statement came as reports emerged that Eisenkot was weighing an offer to the chareidi parties to join a government under his leadership.

"Aryeh Deri and Shas are important partners of mine and of the right-wing bloc in leading the state," Netanyahu said.

He also accused the media and the left of seeking to "crush Shas." At the same time, he charged, they were prepared, "in hypocrisy that cries out to heaven," to offer the chareidim "heaven and earth" to bring them on board.

The rumors had already reached Shas's Council of Torah Sages. On Sunday night, the council's elder, Rav Moshe Maya, denied reports that he had approved contacts with Eisenkot.