Netanyahu rival given first chance at forming new government

Israel’s president has designated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, as his choice to form the next government. President Isaac Herzog announced his decision late Saturday after days of consultations with the parties elected to parliament on Oct. 27. Herzog’s decision is another blow to Netanyahu, who lost his parliamentary majority in the election. But it does not guarantee that Eisenkot will be the next prime minister. After an official ceremony Sunday, Eisenkot wil