Herzog Tasks Gadi Eisenkot With Forming New Israeli Government

Formal mandate presentation scheduled for November 8

President Herzog will formally task Eisenkot with forming the government during a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. Israel time.

Upon receiving the mandate, Eisenkot will have 28 days to assemble a government.

Eisenkot secures 67 Knesset endorsements

President Isaac Herzog held consultations with political figures across the spectrum to determine who should lead the government. During meetings with the 120 incoming Knesset members on November 4 and November 5, 2026, parties provided their recommendations.

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, received 67 endorsements from members of the Knesset. Most political parties in the Knesset backed Eisenkot to receive the first opportunity to build a coalition.

This appointment gives Benjamin Netanyahu’s main political rival the initial chance to form a government following the election. During the same period, 46 members of the Knesset recommended Netanyahu to lead the government.

Election results leave both blocs without majority

The October 27, 2026, election left both Eisenkot and Netanyahu without a clear path to power. Neither the bloc led by Eisenkot nor the bloc led by Netanyahu secured the 61 seats required to form a majority government.

Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist coalition lost its majority but remains the largest bloc in the Knesset. The Likud party, led by Netanyahu, won 27 seats, with his total bloc reaching 53 seats.

The Arab-led Joint List and Ra’am parties hold 19 seats.

Eisenkot proposes National Emergency Government

Eisenkot announced his intention to form a "National Emergency Government" in a statement released on Friday. This proposed coalition would initially include the four parties that committed to replacing Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Fox News.

The plan permits other lawmakers and parties to join the coalition.

Negotiations face hurdles over military service and Arab parties

To establish a functioning government, Eisenkot must secure agreements among parties divided over domestic issues, specifically regarding military service and cooperation with Arab lawmakers. Eisenkot has refused to form a coalition with Arab parties that could have provided a majority, as reported by CBC.

Lieberman added that this compromise is conditional on the government not relying on the Joint List or Ra’am.

Yaakov Asher, leader of the United Torah Judaism party, stated on Friday that his party welcomed the flexibility regarding conscription. Asher noted that his party has not received a concrete proposal and would require approval from its religious leadership.

Netanyahu remains caretaker amid election integrity claims

Benjamin Netanyahu remains the caretaker prime minister while negotiations continue. Netanyahu has challenged the election results, citing suspected voting irregularities.

Israel’s Central Elections Committee reported on November 5, 2026, that the integrity of the election was not compromised, according to Reuters. President Isaac Herzog noted on November 5, 2026, that while election results may appear clear, political vetoes and demands make the prospects for forming a government uncertain.

Fox News chief correspondent Jonathan Hunt reported from Tel Aviv on the status of coalition negotiations as political factions met with the president. Eisenkot stated on Friday that "Israel is facing a genuine, tangible and dangerous national emergency" and warned that political instability could worsen the country's security and diplomatic challenges. Israel faces the potential for continued political deadlock or another election if Eisenkot cannot resolve the divisions within his coalition.