In brief
President Isaac Herzog announced on 8 November 2026 that National Security Minister Gadi Eisenkot would assemble a new coalition to replace the outgoing government. The appointment follows parliamentary elections and is part of Israel’s routine procedure to ensure a smooth transition of power. Sources report the move as a drive to stabilize the political scene amid a fragmented parliament.
In Tel Aviv on 8 November 2026, Israeli President Isaac Herzog officially tasked National Security Minister Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government following last week's parliamentary elections, according to Xinhua.
The appointment marks a routine yet significant administrative step in Israel’s parliamentary process, signalling the president’s intent to stabilize the political scene and facilitate a smooth transition of power, Xinhua reported.
President Herzog’s spokesperson announced on Saturday that Eisenkot would be charged with the task, according to Anadolu Ajansı. The president’s decision is part of the constitutional procedure that allows the head of state to assign a qualified individual to vie for the confidence of the Knesset after an election.
Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israeli Defense Forces commander who now serves as National Security Minister, leads the Yashar party. RNZ noted that he is expected to forge a coalition to replace the existing government, which had been led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to the National Service Times, Eisenkot will have weeks to assemble a coalition and secure a Knesset vote of confidence. The deadline, set by parliamentary law, requires a letter of intent to be submitted within 28 days of the appointment.
The appointment reflects the usual practice in Israel where the president nominates a candidate who can command majority support in the legislature. The move was described by Xinhua as a drive to ensure continuity and to mitigate political uncertainty after the latest electoral outcome.
With Eisenkot now in charge of the coalition negotiations, the parliamentary process will move forward as federal officials and party leaders engage in talks to reach a consensus on the future cabinet composition.
This official tasking is a clear sign that Israel’s governance structures are proceeding according to established constitutional norms, providing a framework for the next government to assume power without delay, as reported by the consulted sources.
