Netanyahu set to lose power; President Herzog invites Eisenkot to form government

TEL AVIV: Israeli President Isaac Herzog has officially invited Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the centrist Yashar Party and a former military chief, to form the next government. The move is set to bring an end to Benjamin Netanyahu's tenure as Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister. Eisenkot and his allies have 28 days to form the government, with an additional 14 days available if required.

Eisenkot was invited to form the government after securing the support of 67 members in the 120-member Parliament. A minimum of 61 seats is required for a simple majority. Eisenkot's opposition alliance won 48 seats. The support of Arab parties, which hold 19 seats, helped the alliance secure the numbers needed to form the government. The newly elected members of Parliament will take the oath on Tuesday. Netanyahu will continue as caretaker Prime Minister until the new government takes office.

If elected Prime Minister, the 66-year-old Eisenkot will become the first Mizrahi Jew to hold the post. Mizrahi Jews trace their roots to countries such as Morocco, Iraq, Syria, Egypt and Yemen. Eisenkot's family has Moroccan roots.