Israel’s former chief of the Israel Defence Forces has been handed the task of forming a new government after last month’s election failed to produce a clear winner.
The vote, held on 1 November, left the country in a hung parliament, with no single party securing the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120‑seat Knesset. The result has prompted the president to invite the former military leader to assemble a coalition that can command a parliamentary majority.
In a system where coalition building is routine, the former commander will need to negotiate with a wide range of parties that hold differing views on security, economy and social policy. The political landscape remains highly fragmented, with several small parties holding the balance of power.
Observers note that the former chief’s experience in national defence and his reputation for pragmatism could help bridge gaps between rival factions. However, the divided opposition and the absence of a clear mandate make the task daunting.
Whether the former military chief will succeed in forming a stable government remains to be seen, as the next few weeks will see intense negotiations and possible compromises among Israel’s diverse political forces.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
