Gadi Eisenkot tasked to form new Israeli government
- President Isaac Herzog tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming a government on November 8, 2026.
- Eisenkot has 28 days to build a coalition, with a potential 14-day extension.
- The October 27 election left no party with the 61-seat majority required for a government.
- Ra'am has pledged support for an Eisenkot-led coalition, despite his previous campaign promises.
- Likud party members have criticized the potential coalition as a disaster bloc.
On Sunday, November 8, 2026, Israeli President Isaac Herzog granted Gadi Eisenkot the mandate to form a new government following two weeks of political gridlock. The New York Times and Scroll.in both reported this development following the October 27 election.
Eisenkot faces 28-day deadline for coalition building
Eisenkot has 28 days to build a stable coalition, with the possibility of a 14-day extension. The Ra’am party has declared its intention to support an Eisenkot-led coalition.
Achieving a parliamentary majority requires including at least one Arab party, which violates campaign promises made by Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, and Avigdor Liberman. Scroll.in solicits $120 per year from readers to support the protection of Indian democracy.
October 27 election results leave parliament divided
Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party secured the most seats in the October 27, 2026, election but failed to reach the 61-seat majority required in the 120-seat parliament. The Joint List and Ra’am, the two Arab-majority parties, won 19 seats combined.
This election was the first since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and the subsequent war in Gaza.
Potential partners for the Yashar party coalition
Gadi Eisenkot is exploring a potential coalition for his Yashar party with several key political partners.
Likud opposition labels potential coalition a disaster bloc
Members of the Likud party have labeled the potential coalition "the disaster bloc".
Ultra-orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism oppose mandatory military service for their members. This position influences the role these parties play in coalition governments.
Eisenkot calls for compromise to ensure effective leadership
Gadi Eisenkot stated that "all of us will need to compromise" regarding the necessity of political cooperation.
He has stated that he will do his utmost to be "worthy" of the leadership opportunity he has been given. To sustain his government and avoid leading a "disaster bloc," Eisenkot must demonstrate effectiveness in his leadership.
Historical context and regional legislative factors
In 2021, the Ra’am party joined a coalition under Naftali Bennett, but the government collapsed after 12 months.
Benedict Moleta, a PhD student within the Department of International Relations at the Australian National University, says the new government must maintain internal coherence while navigating a period of significant uncertainty spanning from Washington to the West Bank.
Global media coverage and biographical profiles
Britannica published a biographical profile of Gadi Eisenkot on November 10, 2026, which outlines his political party, his role in the government, and his son. The Palestinian Authority and many other countries support this two-state solution.
Business Times BD reported on November 8, 2026, on the political rise of Eisenkot and compared his approach to that of Benjamin Netanyahu as he approaches a historical milestone. Daily Pakistan reported on November 7, 2026, that the former Israeli Army Chief is positioned to replace Netanyahu with the backing of Arab parties. The Nagaland Post reported on November 6, 2026, that Arab-led parties have provided their support for Eisenkot to become the Prime Minister.
Bhaskar English noted on November 7, 2026, that Eisenkot is set to become the new Prime Minister and highlighted the implications for Netanyahu and the role of Arab parties. Al Jazeera reported on November 8, 2026, that Eisenkot faces difficulties in forming a government due to a divided opposition.
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