In brief
On 7 November 2026, Israeli President Isaac Herzog tasked Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government, giving him a 28‑day window to secure a 61‑member majority. Eisenkot earns backing from 48 opposition lawmakers plus 19 Arab‑led party MPs, but the ultra‑Orthodox United Torah Judaism bloc remains unaligned, raising doubts about a viable coalition. If Eisenkot fails, Herzog may appoint another candidate or trigger fresh elections, underscoring the fragile state of Israeli politics.
On 7 November 2026, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that he had tasked Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government. The appointment follows consultations with a range of political parties and comes as the current parliament’s mandate is set to expire. Eisenkot, a former army chief, now faces a 28‑day deadline to secure a coalition of at least 61 MPs, including negotiations with Arab and ultra‑Orthodox parties. (Xinhua)
In a statement from the presidential office, Herzog noted that Eisenkot would receive the formal mandate at the president’s residence on Sunday at 5 p.m. local time. Eisenkot replied on the X social media platform that "this is the time to establish a national emergency government. I will do anything possible to prove us worthy," a quote that highlights the urgency of the task. (Xinhua)
Under Israeli law, the former military chief has 28 days to assemble a governing coalition, and may request a 14‑day extension from the president if needed. If Eisenkot cannot achieve a majority, Herzog may appoint a different candidate, or a committee of 61 members from the 120‑seat parliament could ask him to entrust the mandate to an alternative leader. Should these avenues fail as well, the parliament would be dissolved, and nationwide elections would be called. (Xinhua)
The parliamentary recommendations submitted to Herzog show Eisenkot already enjoys support from 48 lawmakers representing four opposition‑bloc parties, and an additional 19 Arab‑led MPs who have joined the coalition vote. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was recommended by 46 lawmakers, while the seven members of the ultra‑Orthodox United Torah Judaism party declined to endorse either candidate. Despite Eisenkot securing the most recommendations, analysts warn that achieving a 61‑seat majority will be difficult, as the opposition is divided over cooperation with Arab parties and disagreements with the two ultra‑Orthodox parties, which together hold 13 seats. (Xinhua)
Netanyahu, meanwhile, called for a national unity government and warned against a coalition that relies on Arab parties’ support, accusing them of wishing Israel’s destruction. He added that a national unity government should include all parties in the current governing coalition, alongside "all the Zionist parties that want to protect our country." (Xinhua)
Protesters in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square have called for unity and the formation of a new government through cooperation between Jewish and Arab parties. Their rally reflects the public pressure on political leaders to craft a cross‑community coalition. (Xinhua)
Israel’s political landscape remains uncertain as the president’s mandate and the emerging coalition dynamics unfold. While Eisenkot’s appointment provides a clear path forward, the divergent stances of Arab and ultra‑Orthodox parties introduce significant challenges to forming a stable majority. (Xinhua)
Uncertainties surrounding this process include whether Eisenkot will secure the crucial support from the Arab‑led parties, how the ultra‑Orthodox bloc will ultimately align itself, and whether the 28‑day timeframe will be sufficient for coalition negotiations to succeed. Additionally, the possibility of a new president selecting an alternative candidate or the parliament dissolving and triggering elections looms as a potential outcome if the coalition fails to materialise. (Xinhua)
