Jerusalem, November 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot with forming the country’s next government, dealing a major setback to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bid to retain power after the October 27 general election.
Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, received the backing of 67 lawmakers during consultations with parliamentary factions, compared with 46 who recommended Netanyahu. Seven lawmakers declined to endorse either candidate.
Herzog announced his decision on Saturday, November 7, following consultations with political leaders, including Netanyahu and Eisenkot. The formal handover of the mandate is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, at 5 pm local time at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
Eisenkot has 28 days to form a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension. The mandate gives him the first opportunity to replace Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister.
The recommendations reflect the political balance in the 120-member Knesset, where 61 seats are needed for a majority. Eisenkot received support from 48 lawmakers belonging to the Change Bloc, seven from the Arab party Ra’am and 12 from the Joint List. Netanyahu secured 46 recommendations from right-wing and religious allies, while seven members of United Torah Judaism did not endorse either candidate.
However, the 67 recommendations do not guarantee Eisenkot a governing majority. Differences among the supporting parties could complicate coalition negotiations. Arab-led factions have indicated they may support an alternative to Netanyahu from outside the government, while some parties in Eisenkot’s camp remain reluctant to depend on their backing.
A former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Eisenkot entered politics in 2022. His Yashar party won 21 seats in the October 27 election, while the wider Change Bloc secured 48. He emerged as Netanyahu’s principal challenger by bringing together groups from the centre-left to the right, largely united by their opposition to the incumbent prime minister.
Eisenkot briefly served in Netanyahu’s wartime cabinet after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack before returning to the opposition. He has since criticised the government’s handling of the Gaza war and ruled out joining a government led by Netanyahu.
Netanyahu has not conceded defeat and continues to advocate a national unity government. He has strongly opposed an administration dependent on Arab-led parties, describing them as supporters of terrorism. Eisenkot’s party has criticised these remarks and urged Likud members to reconsider their alliance with far-right partners.
Coalition talks are expected to face disagreements over the Gaza war, national security, military conscription and Netanyahu’s leadership. Eisenkot could explore a minority government with external Arab support, negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties or a broader national unity arrangement. Each option carries political challenges, particularly over exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox men.
If Eisenkot fails to form a government within 28 days, Herzog can grant an additional 14 days. If the attempt fails, another candidate could receive the mandate, potentially giving Netanyahu another opportunity. Continued failure to form a coalition could eventually lead to fresh elections.
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