Checked as of 8 November 2026.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has given opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the first opportunity to form a government after the 27 October election left no bloc with a parliamentary majority. Eisenkot’s alliance won 48 seats, Benjamin Netanyahu’s outgoing coalition won 53, and Arab-led parties hold the remaining 19 seats in the 120-member Knesset. Herzog’s decision is confirmed, but it does not make Eisenkot prime minister. He must secure support from at least 61 lawmakers within 28 days, with a possible two-week extension. His choices—Arab-party support, ultra-Orthodox partners or a unity agreement with Netanyahu—each require difficult compromises. The process matters because Israel’s next government will shape war policy, judicial reform, military service and relations with Palestinians and neighbouring states.
Key takeaways
- Herzog designated Eisenkot to attempt forming a coalition.
- Eisenkot needs support from at least 61 of 120 lawmakers.
- Arab-led parties hold enough seats to influence the outcome.
- Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister while negotiations continue.
- Another election remains possible if coalition efforts fail.
What changed after the election?
After consulting elected parties, Herzog concluded that Eisenkot had the best chance of assembling a majority. This is a constitutional stage, not a declaration of victory. Earth Site’s student guide to Israel’s 2026 election explains the initial result, while the election deadlock explainer sets out why neither bloc won outright.
How coalition formation works
Israel uses nationwide proportional representation. Parties win seats according to their share of the vote, and a governing coalition needs 61 seats. The president consults party leaders and gives a mandate to the politician thought most likely to succeed. Earth Site’s guide to forming Israeli coalition governments explains the sequence and the president’s limited role.
Eisenkot has 28 days and may receive an extension. If he fails, Netanyahu may receive a mandate. Continued failure could return Israel to an election in spring 2027.
Why Arab-led parties matter
Arab-led parties collectively hold 19 seats and indicated willingness to support Eisenkot. Their votes could provide a majority, but some members of Eisenkot’s alliance oppose relying on them. Eisenkot also set conditions concerning recognition of Israel and Hamas. Earth Site’s article on why Arab parties could decide who governs provides historical context, including the 2021 coalition precedent.
The ultra-Orthodox military-service dispute
Ultra-Orthodox parties could offer another route, but they want to preserve exemptions from military service. Eisenkot, a former military chief, campaigned for mandatory military or civil service. Years of war have made exemptions more controversial among families whose members serve for long periods.
A compromise could stabilise a coalition while angering supporters. Refusal could leave Eisenkot dependent on Arab-party support or Netanyahu. Coalition bargaining therefore links constitutional arithmetic to social questions about religion, equality and national service.
Claims about election legitimacy
Netanyahu has alleged that Arab parties stole the election but has not supplied evidence demonstrating a result-changing fraud. Election officials and Herzog say the vote was valid. A security investigation into possible foreign interference does not itself prove that ballots were falsified or that the result is invalid.
Responsible reporting distinguishes an allegation, an investigation and a proven finding. Earth Site’s Israel profile offers wider geographical and political background, though changing leadership details require current sources.
Why the result matters internationally
The next coalition will inherit conflicts involving Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, as well as disputes over settlements, judicial powers and relations with the United States and Europe. A change of prime minister would not automatically reverse military or territorial policy because coalition partners, institutions and security pressures constrain leaders.
For Palestinians and neighbouring communities, expectations are mixed. The meaningful evidence will be a coalition agreement, ministerial appointments and implemented policy—not campaign language alone.
Conclusion
Eisenkot has gained the first chance to govern, not the government itself. His mandate creates a real possibility of political change but exposes sharp disagreements over Arab participation, military service and Netanyahu’s future. The next reliable milestone is a signed coalition commanding 61 seats.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eisenkot already prime minister?
No. Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister until a new coalition is sworn in.
How many seats are required?
At least 61 in the 120-seat Knesset.
How long does Eisenkot have?
Twenty-eight days, with a possible two-week extension.
Could Arab-led parties join?
They could support or join a coalition, but several potential partners object.
What happens if he fails?
Netanyahu may receive a mandate, and continued failure could lead to another election.
