Israel's President Isaac Herzog on 8 November officially tasked Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the opposition party Yeshar, with forming a new government.
The decision followed the parliamentary elections of 27 October, after which no bloc won a majority in the Knesset.
Eisenkot received the support of 67 lawmakers out of 120, while incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received only 46.
At a ceremony at the president's residence, Herzog stressed the need for a stable government capable of responding to the serious challenges facing the country.
Eisenkot announced his intention to create an "emergency national government" and promised "creative and unconventional" steps to form it.
He has 28 days to negotiate with the factions, with the possibility of an extension of another two weeks.
If he fails, the mandate may pass to another candidate, including Netanyahu.
How exactly will it be possible to overcome the disagreements within the opposition camp and attract the necessary votes?
Herzog called on the future head of government to take into account the interests of all segments of Israeli society.
