In brief
On Nov. 7, 2026, Israeli President Isaac Herzog granted former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot the mandate to form a new cabinet. Eisenkot faces a tight deadline and contested support, with backing from 67 lawmakers but opposition from ultra‑Orthodox parties. Netanyahu has urged a national unity government, warning against Arab party involvement.
In Jerusalem on Saturday, Nov. 7, President Isaac Herzog announced that he would give former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot a mandate to assemble a new coalition government. Herzog told officials he would accept a 28‑day deadline to bring together parties that could deliver a majority, and he could extend that period if requested.
Eisenkot, who leads the Yashar party, was selected after consultations with parliamentary blocs. The president’s office said Eisenkot received support from 48 lawmakers in four opposition‑bloc parties and an additional 19 representatives from Arab‑led parties. Ultra‑Orthodox parties, however, declined to endorse either candidate. The United Torah Judaism party, which holds 13 seats, was among those that refused to back Eisenkot or his rival, Benjamin Netanyahu, who has 46 endorsers.
Freundyer comments: "This is the time to establish a national emergency government. I will do anything possible to prove us worthy," Eisenkot wrote on X immediately after the announcement. That statement was made public the same day by the president’s office.
Political context
Netanyahu, who escaped a recent vote of no confidence, called for a national unity government that would exclude Arab partners and include only existing coalition parties. He warned that reliance on Arab party support could threaten Israel’s security. His speech urged all Zionist parties that want to protect the country to join the government.
Around the same time, protesters gathered in Habima Square in Tel Aviv to demand unity across Jewish and Arab parties. The rally called for cooperation as a way to establish a stable government. Protesters expressed frustration with political fragmentation and the threat of new elections.
If Eisenkot fails to secure a majority, Herzog may appoint another candidate or dissolve Parliament, triggering early elections. The former President said 61 out of 120 members could petition him, and if that also fails, the country would face a complete parliamentary reset.
The decision reflects a broader split within Israel’s political landscape. Analysts note that Eisenkot’s success depends on reconciling differences among opposition blocs, Arab‑led parties, and the ultra‑Orthodox houses that together hold a significant number of seats. If momentum stalls, the next steps may lead to fresh parliamentary contests.
