President Herzog Delays Decision on Israel Government Mandate

President Isaac Herzog delayed his decision on who will be tasked with forming Israel's next government until Sunday, November 8. The postponement follows consultations with parties elected to the 26th Knesset, where Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar! party, received 67 recommendations, while Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu received 46.

Despite the margin, Herzog stated that the ability to form a government is not entirely clear because of mutual disqualifications between and within political blocs. He noted that while results appear clear on the surface, the law requires him to examine the actual ability to form a stable government.

The Yashar! party has called for the immediate establishment of a national emergency government under Eisenkot, arguing that Netanyahu is now a caretaker prime minister who lacks a mandate and public confidence. In contrast, Likud representative Yoav Kisch warned against any government dependent on Arab parties, citing security concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program and the opposition to a Palestinian state.