Gadi Eisenkot, tasked on Sunday (November 8, 2026) with forming a new government, said he was open to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and one of his far-right allies joining but under him as the new leader.
Netanyahu’s party and that of the far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has officially given opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the first chance to form the next government. Eisenkot, who ran as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main rival, now has to launch complicated negotiations with potential coalition partners. He has six weeks to form a government. Netanyahu’s bloc nor Mr. Eisenkot a clear majority in parliament. Among the kingmakers — and most politically fraught potential allies — are the Arab-led parties. They made historic gains in the election and have been a target of Netanyahu and his allies ALSO WATCH Israel: Netanyahu rival Gadi Eisenkot gets first chance to form new government
After the formal announcement on Sunday evening (November 8, 2026), Mr. The October 27 elections gave neither Mr.
“f members of Likud and the Religious Zionist Party truly believe this is a time for unity, as they told the president, I cannot conceive of any reason why they would not support a government under my leadership and the principles I have presented,” Mr. Eisenkot said, referring to Mr.
