Israel Politics News | November 8, 2026

Israel has entered a crucial political phase after President Isaac Herzog formally assigned opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the responsibility of forming the country’s next government. The decision represents a significant setback for longtime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose political alliance failed to secure a parliamentary majority in the October 27 general election.

Eisenkot, who leads the Yashar party and previously served as Israel’s military chief, received the opportunity following consultations between the president and representatives of political parties elected to the country’s parliament, known as the Knesset.

The presidential decision has opened the door to potentially significant changes in Israel’s political leadership. However, Eisenkot still faces difficult negotiations before he can establish a government capable of surviving a parliamentary confidence vote.

Herzog Selects Eisenkot Following Election Deadlock

President Isaac Herzog announced his decision after reviewing recommendations from political factions represented in the newly elected Knesset.

According to the Israeli president’s office, political factions representing 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot for the government-forming assignment. Meanwhile, Netanyahu received recommendations from factions representing 46 lawmakers, while seven lawmakers did not endorse either candidate.

The figures gave Eisenkot the stronger position during the presidential consultations.

On November 8, Herzog formally handed him the mandate during a ceremony at the President’s Residence, beginning the process of government formation.

Netanyahu’s Political Alliance Falls Short of a Majority

The October 27 election produced a divided parliament, leaving neither of the two major political camps with enough support to govern independently.

Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist alliance secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset. Eisenkot’s opposition bloc obtained 48 seats, while Arab-led political parties collectively won 19 seats.

A minimum of 61 parliamentary seats is generally required to secure a majority and establish a government.

The results have created a complicated political situation in which smaller parties and independent parliamentary support could determine the country’s next leadership.

Although Netanyahu’s bloc remains the largest political alliance, its failure to reach the majority threshold has weakened his immediate position.

Eisenkot Has 28 Days to Build a Coalition

Under Israel’s government formation rules, Eisenkot has 28 days to negotiate with other political parties and assemble a government.

President Herzog can grant an additional extension of up to 14 days if necessary.

Eisenkot must now identify potential coalition partners who can support his political programme and help his proposed administration obtain parliamentary approval.

Several possible arrangements are being discussed, including cooperation with Arab-led parties, negotiations with ultra-Orthodox political groups, or an agreement involving Netanyahu’s Likud party.

However, each possibility presents considerable political challenges.

Arab-Led Parties Could Become Important in Government Negotiations

The 19 seats secured by Arab-led parties have made them particularly important in the current political situation.

Their support could help Eisenkot move closer to the parliamentary majority needed to establish a government.

However, cooperation remains controversial among several members of his opposition alliance. Some parties have expressed reservations about relying on Arab-led lawmakers for political support.

Eisenkot must therefore balance the parliamentary arithmetic with the political commitments made during his election campaign.

Whether these parties will participate directly in a coalition or provide support from outside the government remains an important question.

What Happens If Eisenkot Cannot Form a Government?

The coming weeks could determine whether Israel experiences a change in political leadership or continues under Netanyahu’s administration.

If Eisenkot fails to form a government within the permitted period, President Herzog may give another member of parliament an opportunity to attempt the process.

Netanyahu could potentially receive another opportunity if the first attempt is unsuccessful.

If the available government formation procedures fail, Israel could eventually face another general election.

Until a new administration is successfully established and receives parliamentary confidence, Netanyahu’s outgoing government will continue operating in a caretaker capacity.

A Critical Moment for Israel’s Political Future

Herzog’s decision marks an important development in Israel’s post-election political landscape. Eisenkot now has an opportunity to build a governing coalition, but obtaining the presidential mandate is only the beginning of a much more complicated political process.

The negotiations will test the ability of opposition parties to work together despite differences over security, military service, religious exemptions and cooperation with Arab-led political groups.

For Netanyahu, the coming weeks could prove decisive for his political future. For Eisenkot, they represent an opportunity to transform electoral support into actual governing power.

Israel’s next government will ultimately depend on whether the country’s divided political factions can reach an agreement before the coalition formation deadline expires.