Israel’s president on Saturday (November 7, 2026) chose Gadi Eisenkot, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strongest rival, to try to form a new government following a deadlocked election that left neither man with a clear path to power.
Eisenkot faces long-shot bid to form government
Mr. Mr. Eisenkot, a former military chief, has declined to join forces with Arab parties, with whose support he would have a majority of seats in parliament. But Arab leaders, incensed by what they view as the racist policies of Mr. Netanyahu and his far-right allies, still nominated Mr. Eisenkot to try to form a government first — giving him the most endorsements. Weeks of protracted negotiations are expected to follow Mr. Eisenkot’s nomination. His potential pathways to power include trying to form a minority government with Arab support from the outside; forming a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties that he and his allies have shunned in the past; or forging a unity government with Mr. Netanyahu. Analysts say that all three options are unlikely to take shape. If Mr. Eisenkot fails, another candidate can try to form a government and if that candidate fails, parliament can nominate another. If no one succeeds, another election is held.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, is fighting to stay in office after his religious-nationalist coalition lost its majority in an October 27 election but still emerged as the largest bloc in parliament. He has 28 days to try to forge a government, with a possible 14-day extension. There is a deadline for the process of around 100 days. Earlier reporting noted: Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Saturday tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government, giving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’s main challenger the first opportunity to assemble a coalition after the October 27 election produced no clear parliamentary majority. Earlier reporting noted: Eisenkot, a former military chief and head of the Yashar party, secured the backing of representatives from parties accounting for 67 lawmakers during consultations with Herzog. Netanyahu, whose Likud party emerged as the largest in parliament with 27 seats, received recommendations from factions representing 46 lawmakers. His broader bloc holds 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while Eisenkot’s opposition bloc has 48. A majority requires 61 seats.
“President Herzog has invited Gadi Eisenkot to the President’s Residence, where he will be tasked with forming the government tomorrow,” said the spokesperson of President Isaac Herzog, whose largely ceremonial role involves nominating a candidate to form a coalition after elections.
Earlier reporting noted: Israeli president Herzog picks Netanyahu’s rival Gadi Eisenkot to form next government .
