What powers does Netanyahu have as Israel’s interim PM?

As Israel navigates political gridlock, Benjamin Netanyahu retains vast executive authority despite his caretaker status. Two weeks after Israel’s national elections, opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has been given a chance by President Isaac Herzog to cobble together a government.

But with neither Eisenkot nor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition securing the 61 seats needed to secure a majority in the Knesset, who eventually forms the next administration is far from clear. As Eisenkot huddles with members of his alliance and negotiates with potential outside partners who could support his coalition, including Arab parties, Netanyahu remains ensconced as a caretaker prime minister.

And if Eisenkot fails to form a government, Herzog might approach Netanyahu to see if he can form a workable coalition government. This transitional status creates a unique political landscape where the incumbent lacks a popular mandate but retains the keys to the state’s most powerful institutions.