Jerusalem, November 8, 2026: Israeli President Isaac Herzog has selected former military chief and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to attempt to form Israel’s next government following the October 27 parliamentary election, which left the country without a clear majority.
Herzog announced his decision on Saturday, November 7, after consultations with political parties represented in Israel’s 120-member parliament, the Knesset.
Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, received recommendations from 67 lawmakers, compared with 46 supporting incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The decision gives Eisenkot the first opportunity to negotiate a governing coalition, although his appointment as prime minister is far from certain.
President Herzog Chooses Eisenkot Over Netanyahu
The Israeli president informed both Eisenkot and Netanyahu of his decision following several days of political consultations.
According to the President’s Office, Eisenkot is scheduled to receive the formal mandate at a ceremony in Jerusalem on Sunday, November 8, at 5 PM local time.
Once formally appointed to lead coalition negotiations, he will have 28 days to form a government, with a possible extension of 14 days.
The decision represents a significant political development for Netanyahu, whose governing alliance lost its parliamentary majority in the election.
Israel Election Results Leave Parliament Divided
The October 27 election produced a fragmented parliament, with neither major political bloc securing the 61 seats required for a majority.
| Political Group | Seats |
|---|---|
| Netanyahu-led bloc | 53 |
| Eisenkot-led opposition bloc | 48 |
| Arab-led parties | 19 |
| Total | 120 |
Although Netanyahu’s Likud party emerged as the largest individual party, his political alliance fell short of a governing majority.
Eisenkot’s opposition bloc also lacked sufficient seats to govern independently.
However, support from Arab-led parties gave Eisenkot more recommendations during presidential consultations.
Why 67 Lawmakers Supported Eisenkot
During consultations with Herzog, parties representing 67 Knesset members recommended Eisenkot for the task of forming a government.
Netanyahu received recommendations from parties holding 46 seats.
The seven-member United Torah Judaism faction declined to recommend either candidate.
Although Eisenkot received the most recommendations, those endorsements do not automatically guarantee that all 67 lawmakers will join or support his future government.
Coalition negotiations will determine whether he can secure the parliamentary support required to take office.
Who Is Gadi Eisenkot?
Gadi Eisenkot is a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces who later entered politics.
He leads the centrist Yashar party and emerged as one of Netanyahu’s principal challengers in the 2026 election.
Eisenkot has criticised aspects of Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza war and opposed several policies associated with the prime minister’s far-right political allies.
His campaign focused on government accountability, national security and political change.
Coalition Talks Face Major Challenges
Despite receiving the presidential nomination, Eisenkot faces difficult negotiations.
His 48-seat political bloc needs support from additional lawmakers to form a majority government.
One option involves cooperation with Arab-led parties, which collectively hold 19 seats.
However, some of Eisenkot’s political allies have opposed forming a coalition with those parties.
Other possibilities include negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties or an arrangement involving Netanyahu’s Likud.
Significant political disagreements make these options complicated.
Netanyahu’s Political Future Remains Uncertain
Netanyahu remains prime minister while efforts to form a new government continue.
His religious-nationalist coalition won 53 seats in the election, falling short of the required majority.
Although Herzog selected Eisenkot to begin coalition negotiations, Netanyahu could receive another opportunity if the opposition leader fails.
The process could also result in further political negotiations or another parliamentary election.
Therefore, the presidential decision does not mean Netanyahu has already been removed from office.
What Happens Next in Israel?
Eisenkot is scheduled to receive the formal mandate on November 8.
He will then begin negotiations with political parties to secure sufficient parliamentary support.
If he succeeds, a proposed government must obtain the Knesset’s confidence before taking office.
If negotiations fail, Israel’s president may consider other candidates under the country’s government-formation procedures.
The coming weeks will determine whether Israel experiences a change in leadership or another period of political deadlock.
Israel Enters Critical Coalition Negotiations
Herzog’s decision gives Eisenkot an opportunity to build a government after an election in which neither major bloc secured a majority.
With 67 lawmakers recommending Eisenkot and 46 supporting Netanyahu, the opposition leader enters negotiations with broader initial parliamentary backing.
However, disagreements over potential coalition partners remain substantial.
The next major development will be the formal handover of the mandate and the beginning of coalition negotiations.
Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, The Times of Israel, Israeli President’s Office — November 5–8, 2026
Supreme News Network
