Herzog Picks Gadi Eisenkot to Try to Form Israel’s Next Government

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November 7, 2026 · 3 p.m. Central — Israeli President Isaac Herzog has chosen opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to try to form a government, moving the former military chief a step closer to replacing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after a deadlocked election.

Herzog informed Eisenkot on Saturday of his intention to give him the task; the formal appointment is expected Sunday, according to The Guardian. Selection gives Eisenkot the first chance to assemble a governing coalition. It does not make him prime minister or guarantee that a government will be formed.

The numbers behind the decision

After consultations with the parties elected to the 120-seat Knesset, Herzog said factions representing 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot, while factions representing 46 recommended Netanyahu. In his November 5 statement, Herzog cautioned that conflicting vetoes among parties made it unclear who could actually form a government. A recommendation to receive the assignment is not the same as a coalition agreement.

Neither Netanyahu’s allies nor Eisenkot’s bloc secured a majority on their own in the October 27 election, leaving Arab-led parties in a potentially consequential position, the Associated Press reported. The AP described both a possible broad unity government and an arrangement involving Arab-led parties as politically difficult.

What happens next

After formally receiving the mandate, the nominee initially has 28 days to form a government under Israel’s Basic Law; the president may grant an extension of up to 14 days, according to Israel’s foreign ministry and Le Monde. Coalition negotiations and parliamentary approval still lie ahead.

Netanyahu has called for a national unity government, according to the AP. The shape of any coalition, and whether Eisenkot can secure enough support for one, remains unresolved.

Key dates

October 27: Israelis vote in a parliamentary election that leaves neither major bloc with a majority.

November 5: Herzog says factions representing 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot and factions representing 46 recommended Netanyahu.

November 7: Herzog’s office says the president intends to task Eisenkot with forming a government, with the formal appointment expected Sunday.

Where the decision was made

The star marks the approximate Jerusalem area, where the president’s residence is located.

Sources and visual credits

Associated Press · The Guardian · Israeli president: consultations · Israel foreign ministry · Le Monde.

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