Opposition Leader Takes Mandate
Following the October 27, 2026 election where neither camp secured a parliamentary majority, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has officially tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government, detikNews reported.
President Herzog announced his decision after holding consultations with party leaders. The formal appointment takes place at a state ceremony in Jerusalem, according to the president’s office.
The political maneuvering aims to dislodge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who holds the longest tenure in the country’s history. Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot failed to capture the 61 seats required for an outright majority in the Knesset.
Eisenkot seeks alliances to build a majority
Eisenkot secured recommendations from parties representing 67 members of parliament, more than the 46 lawmakers backing Netanyahu's bloc, detikNews reported. CNN Indonesia noted that actual seat counts from the election gave Eisenkot’s bloc 48 seats against Netanyahu’s 53 seats, alongside 11 seats held by Arab parties, forcing the opposition to seek broad alliances.
To bridge the gap, Eisenkot’s faction opened the door to an alliance with ultra-Orthodox Jewish groups that had previously been considered impossible, according to detikNews.
Eisenkot publicly called on Netanyahu and right-wing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join a national unity government. “If members of Likud and the Religious Zionism Party truly believe, this is the time for unity,” Eisenkot said during a speech in Jerusalem, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
Deadlines for coalition assembly and election triggers
Under Israeli law, Eisenkot has 28 days to assemble a governing coalition, with a possible 14-day extension permitted by the president. If these negotiations collapse, the mandate could pass to Netanyahu, and failure by both figures would trigger fresh national elections, CNN Indonesia reported.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu remains in office as prime minister on an interim basis. Al Jazeera contributor Nour Odeh noted that Netanyahu still retains opportunities to obstruct the coalition-building process and force a vote of no confidence while talks proceed, according to CNN Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if Gadi Eisenkot fails to form a government within the given timeframe?
If Eisenkot fails to secure a 61-seat majority within the initial 28-day window and a potential 14-day extension, President Isaac Herzog can transfer the mandate to another candidate, such as Benjamin Netanyahu, before calling new elections.
How many seats did each major political bloc win in the October 27 election?
According to CNN Indonesia, the election resulted in 53 seats for Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc, 48 seats for Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition bloc, and 11 seats held by Arab parties.
What role does President Isaac Herzog play in this transition?
President Herzog conducted consultations with all party leaders following the inconclusive vote and holds the authority to grant the initial mandate for forming the next administration.
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