Staff Reports
President Isaac Herzog has handed the heavy lifting of forming Israel’s next government to Gadi Eisenkot, and the country — and its friends abroad — should be paying close attention. This is not theater. It’s a reminder that Israeli politics still pivots on coalitions, security, and who can actually keep the lights on when danger arrives.
Why the president’s choice matters
Under Israel’s basic law, the president’s job after an indecisive election or a government collapse is practical: pick someone who can build a 61-seat majority in the Knesset. By tapping Gadi Eisenkot — a well-known former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff — President Herzog chose a figure with security credentials and a public reputation for seriousness. That sends a message: national defense and credibility on the battlefield still matter to voters and to the international allies who rely on a stable, competent Jerusalem.
Coalition math and the ugly reality of compromises
Forming a government in Israel means bargaining, horse-trading and swallowing unsavory compromises. Whether Eisenkot is seen as a unifier or a centrist who can bridge fractious camps will decide how durable the next coalition is. Conservatives should be clear-eyed: no patriotic voter wants a coalition propped up by parties that put ideology ahead of security or that empower extremists who endanger everyday Israelis. Israel needs a government that defends its people, protects settlements and sends a tough message to Iran and Hamas — not one that is more interested in internal theater than in real results.
What conservatives in the U.S. and Israel should press for
American conservatives and pro-Israel voters should insist on three simple priorities as Eisenkot pursues coalition partners: a clear security plan, strong defense budgets, and a commitment to keep Jerusalem and other national interests non-negotiable. That’s not maximalist rhetoric. It’s common sense. Israel’s enemies watch disunity like sharks watch blood. A weak coalition invites escalation. A government that can’t pass a budget or hold together under pressure is a liability — period.
Don’t be fooled by polite diplomacy
There will be plenty of smiling photos and earnest declarations about “dialogue” and “national unity.” Expect it. But voters deserve leaders who prefer doing the hard work of governing to the soft work of optics. Eisenkot’s military pedigree gives him credibility, but credibility must translate into a coalition that actually protects Israelis and stands firm against Iran’s proxies. If he succeeds, fine. If he bows to appeasement or political shortcuts, critics on the right should call it out — loudly and consistently.
In the end, this is a make-or-break moment. Israel needs a government that rejects chaos, prioritizes security, and preserves freedom for its citizens. President Herzog has placed the ball in Eisenkot’s court. The rest of us should watch closely, urge firmness, and remember that real leadership is measured by results — not by how many polite meetings you can hold before the next crisis hits.
