Eisenkot gets mandate to form government

"Upon receiving the official election results, I proceeded to fulfill the duty the law places upon me and held consultations with representatives of all Knesset factions," Herzog said. "These were conversations held with openness, honesty and transparency. They were penetrating discussions that addressed the critical issues of this time, and also reminded us that all Israeli citizens have an equal voice, from all sides, opinions, ways of life and beliefs."

Herzog emphasized that "the challenges facing the State of Israel are enormous. Some require urgent and immediate attention. Iran does not wait even a moment in its schemes and threats. We must engage in building the regional political horizon and the day after the war. We must advance the twenty-point Gaza plan of the Peace Council and President Trump, and in negotiations with Lebanon and our other neighbors. And all this, of course, while waging a determined and resolute war against terror and the empire of evil on all fronts."

He added that "we must repel sanctions and political threats and also deal with a new political situation in the United States. We must advance the need to resolve the conscription issue and the IDF's needs. We must try to regulate the boundaries of authority and relations between government branches and fortify our democracy."

"This is the time to strive for a good and stable government"

"The State of Israel needs a stable government that can meet these challenges over time," the president declared. "This is the time to extend a hand, to do everything for the unity of the people, and to strive for as good and stable a government as possible for the people of Israel, yearning for it."

Concluding his remarks, Herzog addressed Eisenkot directly: "I expect you to do everything in your power to establish a government that will serve the entire people, those who supported it and those who did not, and will be a responsible and decent address for all sectors, religions, ways of life and worldviews."

"In the coming days, Gadi, when you and your negotiating partners enter the negotiation rooms, I ask that you remember, the eyes of the entire people, with all its pain, hopes, prayers and anxieties, are upon you. Please, act with wisdom, sensitivity and caution," he concluded. "I hope with all my heart that any government that is formed will lead to unity, connection, and healing among all parts of the people, for our soul desires it. We have only one state. I will be ready to assist at any time for this purpose."

In response, Eisenkot said "I stand here with a deep sense of duty and understanding of the responsibility and weight placed on my shoulders. Standing with me are all Israeli citizens, including the fallen and wounded, those who paid the most painful price out of love for the land. I will do everything in my power to be worthy of them and of all the people of Israel."

"Israel is in a challenging and fateful emergency period. At the same time, we are in the midst of a destructive political crisis. Even our strategic allies claim that relations with them must be re-examined. And internally, the campaign of de-legitimization against Israeli democracy has brought us to a most dangerous point. If we continue on this path, we will reach dark places from which it will be difficult to return. Therefore, there is urgency for new leadership that one can look in the eye and rely on, whose considerations will always be the good of the State of Israel."

"After the difficult years we have been through, we must do it differently this time. This time, for all Israelis," he added. "The days when Israelis felt alienated by their government must end, and not return again."

"I am committed with the mandate given to me to lead the establishment of a national emergency government, and unexpected steps will be required. Exceptional and unusual political moves. The challenges are too urgent. Israel has no time to go to repeated rounds of elections."

He said he would "send as soon as possible to all Knesset factions and call on everyone, as parties and as individuals, to join my government. If you are willing to sign on to the four principles, you are partners in my government. Factions of the house and all public representatives, my door is open and my hand is extended, with a whole heart and willing soul, for anyone who understands the magnitude of the hour and is ready to take a courageous act for the State of Israel."

"For me, unity is not a political bargaining chip or an empty trick, but a supreme value expressing true pure partnership," he stressed. "If indeed members of Likud and Religious Zionism believe this is a time for unity as they declared before the president, I cannot imagine a reason why they would not come and support a government under my leadership and the principles I have presented."

He also addressed the other MKs: "Whoever tries to sabotage the formation of the government for personal rather than substantive reasons, will be remembered in history as one who did not save Israel in its hour of emergency. I am confident that my partners understand the magnitude of the hour and the urgent need to swear in a new government. Their skills and experience are critical to our ability to return Israel to safe shores."

The mandate comes after a majority of Knesset factions chose Eisenkot in the recommendation round held last week. Eisenkot received 67 recommenders from four left-bloc parties and two Arab parties, the Joint List and Ra'am. United Torah Judaism did not recommend any candidate, and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu received only 46 recommenders.

Eisenkot now has 28 days to form a new government. Should an extension be needed, the president is authorized by law to grant an additional extension of up to 14 days.