President Herzog Tasks Gadi Eisenkot to Form Israeli Government

President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and former military chief, with forming Israel's next government on November 8, 2026. The decision follows the October 27 elections, which left the 120-seat Knesset in a deadlock. While Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party remained the largest single party, his religious-nationalist bloc secured only 53 seats, falling short of the 61-seat majority. Eisenkot received endorsements from 67 lawmakers, including the Jewish-led opposition and Arab-led parties, while Netanyahu received 46.

Eisenkot has 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension, to assemble a coalition. He has proposed a "national emergency government" based on four pillars: recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, upholding the Declaration of Independence, implementing universal military conscription, and dismantling Hamas. To secure a majority, Eisenkot may need to rely on Arab parties, who won a record 19 seats. However, allies like Avigdor Lieberman have rejected any government dependent on Arab support, suggesting instead an alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties.

Benjamin Netanyahu, serving as caretaker prime minister, condemned the move as "national suicide" and claimed the election was "stolen" through bribery and foreign funding—claims dismissed by the Central Elections Committee. Netanyahu urged the formation of a unity government comprising only Zionist parties. Meanwhile, Eisenkot has indicated he may delay the government's swearing-in until the Knesset replaces Speaker Amir Ohana to prevent potential procedural delays by Likud.