Gadi Eisenkot’s government formation efforts have officially begun after Israeli President Isaac Herzog selected the former military chief to attempt to build Israel’s next governing coalition.
The decision, formalized on Sunday, 8 November 2026, follows the country’s general election on 27 October, which produced no clear parliamentary majority.
Eisenkot, the 66-year-old leader of the centrist Yashar party, now has 28 days to negotiate an agreement with other political parties.
If he succeeds, Israel could experience a major change in political leadership after years under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
However, forming a government will not be straightforward.
Although Eisenkot received more recommendations from members of parliament than Netanyahu, his existing political alliance does not control enough seats to govern alone.
The coming weeks will therefore be crucial for Israel’s political future, with important consequences for domestic policy, relations with the United States, and the continuing conflicts across the Middle East.
President Isaac Herzog Officially Tasks Eisenkot With Forming a Government
President Isaac Herzog formally handed Eisenkot the mandate to form a government during a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Sunday.
The decision followed consultations with political parties after the October election.
During those consultations, 67 members of the Knesset recommended Eisenkot for the role.
Netanyahu received recommendations from 46 lawmakers, while seven members did not recommend either candidate.
Under Israeli law, the president selects a member of parliament to attempt to form a government after considering the political circumstances and parties’ recommendations.
Eisenkot received the first opportunity because he attracted the greatest number of recommendations.
However, receiving the presidential mandate does not automatically make him prime minister.
He must first assemble a coalition capable of securing parliamentary confidence.
Until a new government takes office, Netanyahu remains prime minister in a caretaker capacity.
Israel’s 2026 Election Results Explained
Israel held its general election on 27 October 2026.
The election produced a divided Knesset, leaving the country’s main political blocs without a majority.
Netanyahu’s Likud party won 27 seats, making it the largest individual party.
Eisenkot’s Yashar party secured 21 seats, becoming the second-largest party.
However, Israeli governments are normally formed through coalitions rather than by a single party.
Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist alliance won 53 seats.
The four-party alliance supporting Eisenkot secured 48 seats.
Meanwhile, Arab-led parties won a combined 19 seats.
Because the Knesset has 120 members, a governing coalition normally requires at least 61 seats for a parliamentary majority.
Neither of the two main blocs achieved that figure independently.
This result has created difficult negotiations over the country’s next government.
Who Is Gadi Eisenkot?
Gadi Eisenkot is a former Israeli military chief who entered national politics after a long career in the Israel Defense Forces.
He served as the IDF’s chief of staff between 2015 and 2019.
During his military career, he held several senior positions involving Israel’s national security and defense operations.
Eisenkot entered politics in 2022.
He subsequently became an important figure in the political opposition to Netanyahu.
Following the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel, Eisenkot joined Netanyahu’s wartime cabinet as an observer.
He later became increasingly critical of the government’s handling of the war in Gaza.
Eisenkot has also experienced personal tragedy during the conflict.
His son and two nephews were killed while serving in Gaza.
His military background and experience in government have become central features of his political identity.
He now leads Yashar, a centrist party that seeks to appeal to voters across Israel’s political divisions.
Can Gadi Eisenkot Form a Government?
The biggest question is whether Eisenkot can persuade enough political parties to support a governing coalition.
His existing alliance controls 48 seats.
That leaves him 13 seats short of a conventional parliamentary majority.
There are several possible routes to forming a government.
One involves reaching an agreement with ultra-Orthodox parties that have previously supported Netanyahu.
Another possibility involves securing parliamentary support from Arab-led parties.
A broader national unity arrangement involving members of Netanyahu’s political bloc has also been discussed.
However, each option creates political difficulties.
Eisenkot and several of his allies made campaign commitments that could complicate agreements with potential coalition partners.
Some parties also disagree strongly over military conscription, security policy, and the role of religion in public life.
Consequently, negotiations could be lengthy and unpredictable.
Could Arab Parties Support Eisenkot?
Arab-led political parties played an important role in Eisenkot receiving the presidential mandate.
Their recommendations helped him secure support from 67 members of parliament.
The parties represent different political perspectives among Israel’s Arab and Palestinian citizens.
Two Arab-led alliances collectively won 19 seats in the October election.
Some of their representatives have indicated that they are willing to support a government that replaces Netanyahu.
However, Eisenkot and several of his allies have previously ruled out forming a governing coalition with Arab-led parties.
This creates a significant political challenge.
One possibility is that Arab lawmakers could support a minority government from outside the coalition.
Such an arrangement would require careful negotiations and agreement on parliamentary confidence.
Whether the parties can reach an understanding remains uncertain.
Ultra-Orthodox Parties Could Hold the Balance of Power
Israel’s ultra-Orthodox political parties may become decisive during coalition negotiations.
Shas and United Torah Judaism each hold seven seats.
Together, they could provide enough parliamentary support for Eisenkot’s existing bloc to reach 62 seats.
However, the parties have major disagreements with some of Eisenkot’s political allies.
The most significant issue involves military conscription.
Many ultra-Orthodox political leaders oppose compulsory military service for religious students.
Eisenkot and several opposition figures have called for broader participation in military or national service.
The disagreement has become an important issue in Israeli politics, particularly following years of conflict and military mobilization.
Any coalition agreement involving ultra-Orthodox parties would need to address these competing positions.
On 8 November, former minister Yoaz Hendel criticised suggestions that opposition parties might compromise on the issue.
His comments demonstrate the political sensitivity surrounding the negotiations.
Could Benjamin Netanyahu Join an Eisenkot Government?
One of the most surprising developments is Eisenkot’s willingness to consider discussions with Netanyahu and his political allies.
Despite their political rivalry, Eisenkot has indicated that he is open to exploring a broad national emergency government.
Such an arrangement could involve politicians from different ideological backgrounds.
Supporters of a unity government argue that cooperation could help Israel address security threats and domestic divisions.
However, significant obstacles remain.
Eisenkot has strongly criticized Netanyahu’s leadership and previously opposed serving alongside him.
The two leaders also disagree over important political and security questions.
It is therefore unclear whether meaningful cooperation is possible.
The willingness to discuss a broader coalition should not be interpreted as confirmation that Netanyahu will join a future government.
What Did Eisenkot Say After Receiving the Mandate?
During Sunday’s ceremony, Eisenkot emphasized the seriousness of Israel’s political situation.
He described the country as facing an emergency requiring political responsibility and cooperation.
The former military chief said he intended to approach political parties and individual lawmakers to explore the possibility of forming a government.
He also argued that Israel could not afford repeated elections without a functioning governing coalition.
President Herzog similarly emphasized the importance of establishing a stable administration.
The president referred to challenges involving Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, and Israel’s relationships with neighboring countries.
Both men presented the formation of a government as an urgent national priority.
However, their statements do not resolve the underlying disagreements between the parties.
What Does an Eisenkot Government Mean for Gaza?
The future of Gaza is one of the most important issues facing any incoming Israeli government.
The territory has experienced extensive destruction, displacement, and humanitarian suffering during the conflict.
Questions remain over security arrangements, reconstruction, and the future of Palestinian governance.
Eisenkot has argued that Hamas should not continue governing Gaza.
He has also criticized aspects of Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict.
However, Eisenkot’s political positions do not necessarily mean that an administration led by him would adopt all the policies sought by Palestinian leaders or international humanitarian organizations.
The composition of any coalition would significantly influence its approach.
A government involving right-wing parties could adopt different policies from one relying on support from Arab-led lawmakers.
The situation also depends on developments involving the United States, regional governments, and Palestinian representatives.
Could Israel’s Policy Towards the West Bank Change?
The occupied West Bank is another major issue.
Netanyahu’s governing alliance has included far-right politicians who support expanding Israeli settlements and, in some cases, annexing territory.
Eisenkot has criticised violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.
He has also challenged some policies pursued by Netanyahu’s political allies.
However, Eisenkot’s potential coalition includes politicians with differing views on settlements and Palestinian statehood.
As a result, it would be premature to predict major changes in West Bank policy.
Any new government would need to establish an agreed programme before its direction becomes clear.
International law, Palestinian rights and regional security would remain important subjects of debate.
What Could an Eisenkot Government Mean for Iran?
Israel’s relationship with Iran remains a major national security concern.
The two countries have experienced repeated military confrontations and escalating tensions.
Any incoming Israeli prime minister would need to address Iran’s military capabilities, regional alliances and nuclear programme.
Eisenkot’s experience as a former military chief could influence his approach to security decisions.
However, his precise policies would depend on the composition of his government and developments in the region.
President Herzog highlighted Iran as one of the urgent challenges facing Israel.
A change in government would not automatically end the confrontation.
Diplomatic initiatives, military developments and relations with the United States would all influence future decisions.
How Could Relations With Donald Trump Change?
The United States remains Israel’s most important international security partner.
American military assistance, diplomatic cooperation and regional initiatives are central to Israel’s foreign relations.
President Donald Trump has maintained a close political relationship with Netanyahu.
However, the recent US midterm elections have changed the balance of power in Washington.
Democrats have gained control of Congress, creating additional scrutiny of American foreign policy.
A new Israeli government could therefore face a different political environment in the United States.
Eisenkot would need to establish working relationships with the Trump administration and congressional leaders.
The future of Gaza, relations with Iran and military assistance would remain major issues.
Nevertheless, the US–Israel relationship involves longstanding institutional cooperation that extends beyond individual political leaders.
What Happens if Eisenkot Fails to Form a Government?
Under Israeli law, Eisenkot has an initial period of 28 days to establish a government.
President Herzog may grant an extension of up to 14 days.
If Eisenkot fails, the president can assign the task to another member of the Knesset.
Netanyahu could then receive an opportunity to form a coalition.
If subsequent attempts also fail, lawmakers may have another opportunity to identify a candidate who can secure sufficient support.
Ultimately, another general election could become necessary.
Israel has experienced repeated elections during previous periods of political deadlock.
The possibility of another vote adds pressure on parties to reach an agreement.
However, no new election has been scheduled as a result of the current negotiations.
What Happens Next in Israel’s Coalition Talks?
Eisenkot is expected to hold discussions with leaders of other political parties over the coming days.
Talks with Avigdor Liberman and other opposition figures are particularly important.
The negotiations are likely to focus on military conscription, cabinet positions, security policy and the future direction of government.
The question of whether Arab-led parties can provide parliamentary support will also remain central.
Ultra-Orthodox parties could become important participants if a compromise can be reached over conscription.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu and Likud will continue evaluating their political options.
The next few weeks will determine whether Eisenkot can turn his presidential mandate into an effective parliamentary majority.
Conclusion
The Gadi Eisenkot government negotiations mark an important moment in Israeli politics following the inconclusive October 2026 election.
President Isaac Herzog has formally given Eisenkot the opportunity to form the country’s next administration.
Although 67 lawmakers recommended him for the task, his existing political bloc controls only 48 seats.
He must therefore negotiate with parties that hold different political and ideological positions.
Military conscription, cooperation with Arab-led parties and the possibility of a broader unity government are among the biggest challenges.
Netanyahu remains prime minister until a new government is established.
The outcome could influence Israel’s domestic politics, relations with the United States and policies towards Gaza, the West Bank and Iran.
For now, Eisenkot has the mandate to negotiate, but Israel’s next government has not yet been formed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gadi Eisenkot?
Gadi Eisenkot is a former Israeli military chief and the leader of the centrist Yashar party.
Has Gadi Eisenkot become Israel’s prime minister?
No. He has been tasked with forming a government, but he must first secure sufficient parliamentary support.
Who appointed Eisenkot to form a government?
Israeli President Isaac Herzog formally gave him the mandate on 8 November 2026.
How many days does Eisenkot have?
He has 28 days, with a possible extension of up to 14 days.
How many seats does Eisenkot’s political alliance hold?
His four-party bloc holds 48 seats in the 120-member Knesset.
How many seats are needed for a majority?
A parliamentary majority requires at least 61 seats.
Is Benjamin Netanyahu still prime minister?
Yes. Netanyahu remains in caretaker office until a new government takes office.
Could Arab parties support Eisenkot?
Yes. Arab-led parties have expressed willingness to support replacing Netanyahu, although the form of any cooperation remains uncertain.
Could Eisenkot form a government with ultra-Orthodox parties?
It is a possible route, but disagreements over military conscription present significant obstacles.
What happens if Eisenkot cannot form a coalition?
Another candidate may be given an opportunity. If all attempts fail, Israel could hold another election
