In brief
The new mandate comes after consultations with parties and offers Eisenkot 28 days to unite at least 61 of the 120 Knesset seats. Despite being backed by 48 lawmakers and 19 Arab representatives, he faces hurdles from five opposition blocs and two ultra‑Orthodox parties, while a failed attempt could trigger fresh elections.
On 7 November 2026, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that he would task Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government. The former military chief was invited to the president’s residence at 5 p.m. local time to receive the formal mandate.
Eisenkot has 28 days to assemble a coalition that secures at least 61 of the 120 Knesset seats, and he can ask for a 14‑day extension. If he fails, Herzog may appoint a different candidate, or members of parliament may request that the president hand the mandate to a chosen individual. Should all attempts fail, the Knesset would be dissolved and a new election called.
In the presidential recommendations, Eisenkot received backing from 48 lawmakers of four opposition‑bloc parties and the 19 representatives of Arab‑led parties. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was recommended by 46 lawmakers, while the seven U‑T.J. (United Torah Judaism) members declined to endorse either candidate.
Analysts note that Eisenkot’s path is difficult because of splits in the opposition over cooperation with Arab parties, and disagreements with the pair of ultra‑Orthodox parties, which together hold 13 seats. Netanyahu had earlier called for a “national unity government”, warning against relying on Arab‑party support and accusing such parties of seeking Israel’s destruction. Protesters in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square have pressed for unity and for a government formed through Jewish‑Arab cooperation.
After Herzog’s announcement, Eisenkot posted on X:
"This is the time to establish a national emergency government. I will do anything possible to prove us worthy."
The mandate places Eisenkot at the center of Israel’s political landscape, where coalition building will determine the country’s direction for the next year.
