President Herzog gives Eisenkot 28 days to assemble a governing coalition after inconclusive election.
Israel’s post-election negotiations have entered a decisive phase after President Isaac Herzog formally gave former military chief Gadi Eisenkot the first opportunity to form a new government, placing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s continued leadership under fresh political pressure.
Herzog Formally Gives Eisenkot the Mandate
President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel’s next government on November 8, 2026, following consultations with parties elected to the 26th Knesset. Herzog said factions representing 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot, while 46 recommended Netanyahu and one seven-seat faction declined to support either candidate.
Eisenkot Has 28 Days to Build a Coalition
Under Israel’s Basic Law, Eisenkot now has 28 days to assemble a government capable of winning the Knesset’s confidence. Herzog can grant an extension of up to 14 additional days if needed. Eisenkot described the negotiations as exceptionally complex and said he would seek a broad “national emergency government.”
Election Result Left Both Blocs Short
Neither major bloc secured the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority in the October 27 election. Netanyahu’s Likud won 27 seats and his broader bloc held 53, while Eisenkot’s Yashar won 21 seats and his four-party bloc secured 48. Arab parties hold another 19 seats, making their parliamentary support important to the coalition arithmetic even though recommending Eisenkot does not automatically mean joining his government.
Coalition Options Remain Difficult
Eisenkot could attempt several routes, including cooperation with ultra-Orthodox parties, outside support from Arab parties, or a wider unity arrangement involving members of Netanyahu’s camp. Each option carries major political obstacles. Eisenkot has said forming a government will require compromise and “creative and unconventional” political steps, while Netanyahu has separately called for a unity government involving Zionist parties.
Netanyahu Remains Prime Minister for Now
Receiving the mandate does not automatically make Eisenkot prime minister. Netanyahu remains in office while coalition negotiations continue, and Eisenkot must still secure enough parliamentary support to establish a government. If he fails, the mandate could eventually pass to another lawmaker, potentially giving Netanyahu another opportunity before Israel faces the possibility of further political deadlock or another election.
Eisenkot’s mandate represents a significant shift in Israel’s post-election negotiations, but the country’s next government has not yet been determined. For Indonesians and Singaporeans, the outcome remains relevant because Israel’s next coalition will confront major decisions involving Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, and wider regional diplomacy, issues with consequences well beyond Israeli domestic politics.
Sources: Batampos (2026) , Kompas (2026)
Keywords: Gadi Eisenkot Mandate, Israel Government Formation, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Coalition Talks, Yashar Party, Knesset Election
