Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot tasked with forming new Israeli government
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has officially tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government after securing support from 67 lawmakers.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has officially tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government following consultations with parliamentary factions.
Although former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party won the largest share of seats in the recent election, Eisenkot—a former military chief who leads the centrist Yashar party—secured recommendations from 67 lawmakers. Netanyahu's right-wing coalition lost its majority in late October.
Accepting the mandate, Eisenkot pledged to guide the country out of its political crisis and urged rival factions to accept "unconventional political steps" to build a working majority. However, coalition negotiations face significant hurdles as several parties supporting Eisenkot remain reluctant to work together. Meanwhile, Netanyahu continues to explore parliamentary avenues to retain power.
Sources: Die Presse, Tagesschau, Der Spiegel, ORF, FAZ.
How outlets assessed this
- Der Spiegel Skeptical Framed Eisenkot's task as nearly impossible due to refusal among supporting parties to work together.
- FAZ Cautious Emphasized that Netanyahu still retains viable options to stay in power despite losing his parliamentary majority.
- Der Spiegel Skeptical Framed Eisenkot's task as nearly impossible due to severe friction among the factions recommending him.
- FAZ Cautious Emphasized that Benjamin Netanyahu still retains realistic political options to potentially stay in power.
- Der Spiegel Skeptical Framed Eisenkot's task as nearly impossible due to ideological incompatibilities among the recommending parties.
- FAZ Cautious Emphasized that Netanyahu retains viable political options to hold onto power despite his coalition's defeat.
Sources
- ORF — Israel: Eisenkot offiziell mit Regierungsbildung beauftragt
- Der Spiegel — Israel: Gadi Eisenkot erhält Auftrag zur Regierungsbildung – eine fast unlösbare Aufgabe
- Tagesschau — Israel: Oppositionsführer Eisenkot soll neue Regierung bilden
- Die Presse — Machtwechsel in Israel? Netanyahus Rivale Eisenkot soll Regierung bilden
- FAZ — Israel: Netanjahu testet seine Optionen, um doch noch an der Macht zu bleiben
Earlier coverage
- Nov 9, 2026, 01:30 PM UTCIsraeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot tasked with forming new government
- Nov 9, 2026, 10:00 AM UTCIsraeli opposition leader Eisenkot tasked with forming new government
- Nov 9, 2026, 07:30 AM UTCGadi Eisenkot receives official mandate to form Israel's next government