RismadarVoice Reporters
November 8, 2026
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has selected opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the country’s next government following an inconclusive parliamentary election that left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition without a majority.
Herzog announced the decision on Saturday, November 7, after consultations with political parties represented in Israel’s 120-member parliament, the Knesset.
According to the presidency, Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and a former military chief, was scheduled to receive the formal mandate at the presidential residence in Jerusalem on Sunday.
The decision followed the October 27 parliamentary election, in which Netanyahu’s bloc secured 53 seats, while the four-party opposition bloc led by Eisenkot won 48.
Neither bloc independently reached the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority.
However, during consultations with Herzog, parties representing 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot to form the government, compared with 46 who supported Netanyahu. Seven lawmakers declined to recommend either candidate.
Eisenkot welcomed the decision, pledging to pursue the formation of a national emergency government.
His prospects depend on negotiations with parties holding different positions on security, religion and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Two Arab-led political lists, which together secured 19 parliamentary seats, endorsed Eisenkot during the consultations.
However, some parties within his opposition bloc have expressed reservations about entering a coalition dependent on Arab-led parties.
Netanyahu has strongly opposed such an arrangement, accusing the Arab parties of supporting terrorism and warning against their ingovernment involvement in government
The outgoing prime minister has instead advocated a national unity government.
Another possible arrangement could involve negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties, although disagreements over military conscription remain a significant obstacle.
Eisenkot, who served as Israel’s military chief from 2015 to 2019, has advocated changes to national security policy and stronger action against extremist settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
He has also opposed Palestinian statehood and called for the dismantling of Hamas’ military capabilities.
Under Israeli law, Eisenkot will have 28 days after receiving the formal mandate to form a government.
Herzog may grant an extension of up to 14 additional days if necessary.
If coalition negotiations fail, the president may assign the task to another lawmaker, potentially prolonging Israel’s political uncertainty.
Israel previously experienced five parliamentary elections between 2019 and 2022 amid repeated failures to establish stable governing coalitions.
