Gadi Eisenkot Tapped by Israel's President to Form New Government After Election Deadlock
Gadi Eisenkot Tapped to Form Israel’s Next Government After Election Deadlock
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has chosen opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the country’s next government. The decision follows a national election that left the main political groups without enough seats to secure a parliamentary majority.
The announcement marks an important moment in Israel’s political future. It also creates a major challenge for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is fighting to remain in power.
Herzog informed Eisenkot of his decision on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The president has invited him to the presidential residence in Jerusalem for the formal handover of the mandate on Sunday.
Eisenkot will have 28 days to build a coalition. He may also receive an additional 14 days if he needs more time.
Herzog Chooses Eisenkot After Political Consultations
President Herzog made his decision after holding discussions with representatives of political parties elected to the Knesset.
The talks showed that Eisenkot had received more support than Netanyahu from lawmakers who recommended candidates for the next government.
According to the president’s office, political groups representing 67 lawmakers supported Eisenkot. Meanwhile, factions representing 46 lawmakers backed Netanyahu.
Another group of seven lawmakers did not recommend either candidate.
The results gave Eisenkot the strongest backing during the consultations. However, this support does not automatically guarantee that he can form a government.
Israel’s parliament has 120 seats. A government needs the support of at least 61 lawmakers to secure a majority.
Netanyahu Faces a Major Political Setback
The decision represents a serious setback for Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister.
His Likud party won 27 seats in the October 27 election. However, his wider religious-nationalist political bloc secured only 53 seats.
This left Netanyahu short of the 61 seats required to control parliament.
Eisenkot’s Yashar party won 21 seats. His wider alliance of four parties secured 48 seats.
Although Netanyahu’s political bloc won more seats overall, Eisenkot received support from lawmakers representing Arab political parties.
The two Arab-led groups secured a combined 19 seats. Their decision to recommend Eisenkot helped him receive the largest number of endorsements.
Eisenkot Faces Difficult Coalition Negotiations
Despite receiving strong political support, Eisenkot faces a difficult task.
He must bring together political groups with different priorities, policies and expectations.
One possible option is to seek support from Arab political parties. Their backing could help him reach the parliamentary majority needed to form a government.
However, this option presents political difficulties.
Some parties within Eisenkot’s alliance have opposed forming a government with Arab-led groups. Eisenkot himself has also expressed reservations about such an arrangement.
Another possibility involves negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties.
These groups have traditionally supported Netanyahu. However, disagreements over military service exemptions have created tensions within the political right.
Eisenkot could also explore a minority government that receives support from other parties on important parliamentary votes.
A national unity government involving Netanyahu is another possible option, although Eisenkot has previously ruled out serving in a government alongside him.
Who Is Gadi Eisenkot?
Gadi Eisenkot is a former chief of the Israel Defense Forces and an experienced military figure.
He entered Israeli politics in 2022 and later became one of Netanyahu’s strongest political opponents.
His military background played an important role during the election campaign. He presented himself as a leader with significant security experience at a time when national security remained a major concern.
Eisenkot has also criticised Netanyahu’s leadership and handling of the Gaza war.
He has spoken against violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and opposed several figures within Netanyahu’s far-right political alliance.
His growing political influence has made him a central figure in Israel’s changing political landscape.
What Happens If Eisenkot Fails?
The next few weeks will be important for Israel.
If Eisenkot fails to form a government within the 28-day period, Herzog may give him an extension of up to 14 days.
If he still cannot secure enough support, another political leader could receive an opportunity to form a government.
Netanyahu may then get another chance to build a coalition.
If all attempts fail, Israel could face another national election.
Until a new government takes office, Netanyahu will remain in charge of a caretaker administration.
Israel’s Political Future Remains Uncertain
Herzog’s decision has opened a new chapter in Israel’s political crisis.
Eisenkot has received the strongest support during the presidential consultations. However, turning those endorsements into a working parliamentary majority will require difficult negotiations.
The main challenge will be finding common ground between parties that disagree on major political and security issues.
For Netanyahu, the decision creates another battle to protect his political future.
For Eisenkot, it offers an important opportunity to become Israel’s next prime minister.
The outcome of the coalition negotiations will determine whether Israel enters a new political era or faces another election.
Read more at : reuters.com
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