In brief
On November 7, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot would have 28 days to build a majority government. Eisenkot received endorsements from 48 opposition lawmakers and 19 Arab party representatives, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is backed by 46 lawmakers. Analysts warn that Eisenkot will need to navigate complex divisions within the opposition and reluctant ultra‑Orthodox parties.
In Jerusalem on November 7, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot would be tasked with forming the next government after consultations with more than 70 parliamentary members.
President Herzog will invite Eisenkot to formalise the mandate on Sunday at 5 p.m. local time, according to the Office of the President. The former Israeli army chief has 28 days to assemble a coalition and may request a 14‑day extension; if he fails, Herzog may appoint a new candidate or, should a majority of 120‑seat parliamentarians ask, dissolve the Knesset for fresh elections.
Under Israeli law, there are strict deadlines for new governments. After the 28‑day period, the president may appoint another candidate or, if 61 members of the Knesset can secure a council of an agreed candidate, the government could form under a new mandate. If no coalition is reached, the entire parliament can be dissolved.
Coalition Negotiations Hurting by Divisions
Eisenkot’s support comes from 48 lawmakers across four opposition‑bloc parties and 19 Arab‑led representatives, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is backed by 46 lawmakers. Seven members of the ultra‑Orthodox United Torah Judaism party declined to endorse either candidate, and the two ultra‑Orthodox parties together hold 13 seats. Analysts caution that Eisenkot faces a daunting task because his coalition would need at least 61 seats, and divisions exist within the opposition over cooperation with Arab parties and the ultra‑Orthodox parties.
“This is the time to establish a national emergency government. I will do anything possible to prove us worthy,” Eisenkot said on the social media platform X following the announcement.
“This is the time to establish a national emergency government. I will do anything possible to prove us worthy.”
Netanyahu has called for a national unity government that would exclude Arab party support, accusing them of seeking Israel’s destruction and insisting “all Zionist parties that want to protect our country” be included.
The tension is reflected in protests at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, where demonstrators chant for unity and a government that bridges Jewish and Arab political forces.
If Eisenkot fails to secure a majority, President Herzog may appoint a new candidate or, if a majority of 61 Knesset members can demand a new mandate, dissolve the legislature and trigger new elections.
