Israel President Gives Gadi Eisenkot Mandate to Form Government

Israel President Isaac Herzog has officially given opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the mandate to form the country's next government, following the October 27 parliamentary elections.

President @Isaac_Herzog assigned the task of forming a government to Yashar Leader Gadi Eisenkot today, following consulations with all factions elected to the 26th Knesset. https://t.co/7JFkuCz0dT

— Office of the President of Israel (@IsraelPresident) November 8, 2026

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has formally entrusted Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with the responsibility of forming the next government.

Eisenkot received the mandate on Sunday, November 8, after securing the recommendation of 67 members of the Knesset, compared with 46 lawmakers who backed incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Seven lawmakers did not recommend either candidate.

Following the mandate, Eisenkot expressed confidence that a new government with a substantial parliamentary majority could be formed swiftly. He stressed that Israel could not afford prolonged political uncertainty or another round of elections at a time when the country faces significant national and security challenges.

Calling for unity, Eisenkot said that the immediate priority was to establish a national emergency government. He pledged to work towards building a broad-based administration capable of addressing the country's pressing challenges.

Eisenkot now has 28 days to form a government, with the possibility of receiving an additional 14-day extension from President Herzog.

However, coalition negotiations could prove challenging, as neither political bloc secured an outright majority in the 120-member Knesset. Eisenkot will need the support of at least 61 lawmakers to successfully form the next government.

The development marks a significant political setback for Netanyahu and opens a new chapter in Israel's political landscape.