Former Israeli premier urges Eisenkot to swiftly replace Netanyahu government

Barak welcomes Arab parties in government and says Likud could join without Netanyahu

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak on Sunday urged Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot to form a new government quickly, saying his first priority should be replacing Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

“Eisenkot should move as quickly as possible,” Barak, who served as prime minister from 1999 to 2001, told Israel’s public broadcaster KAN.

“The most important pledge is to oust Netanyahu, and the first priority is to replace this government,” he added.

Barak said he would welcome Arab parties joining the next government. He also said Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party could have been a partner in a unity government without Netanyahu.

Separately, caretaker Defence Minister Israel Katz called for unity in the face of “Iranian threats.”

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In remarks reported by Israel Hayom newspaper, Katz claimed that Iran was trying to resume efforts to acquire nuclear weapons.

“This is a time for unity, responsibility and mutual solidarity,” he said.

On Saturday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that he would task Eisenkot with forming the next government. The formal handover was scheduled for 5 pm local time (1500GMT) Sunday.

Herzog’s office said factions representing 67 members of the 120-seat Knesset recommended Eisenkot, while factions representing 46 backed Netanyahu. A seven-member faction declined to recommend a candidate.

Eisenkot’s bloc lacks a parliamentary majority of its own. Support from Arab parties helped him secure 67 recommendations, while his allies remain divided over whether to bring those parties into the coalition.

Under Israel’s Basic Law, Eisenkot will have 28 days to form a government once he receives the mandate. Herzog can grant an extension of up to 14 days.