Israel Political Crisis 2026: Gadi Eisenkot to Form New Government

Israel's President Isaac Herzog formally tasked opposition leader and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government on 8 November 2026, following an inconclusive parliamentary election held on 27 October 2026.

Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar Party, received the mandate after 67 members of Israel's 120-seat parliament recommended him during presidential consultations.

However, his political alliance holds only 48 seats, meaning he must negotiate with other parties to secure sufficient parliamentary support.

Eisenkot has called for a broad national emergency government to address Israel's political, security and economic challenges.

Key Highlights

• Country: Israel

• President: Isaac Herzog

• Outgoing Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu

• Leader Tasked with Government Formation: Gadi Eisenkot

• Political Party: Yashar

• Parliament: Knesset

• Total Parliamentary Seats: 120

• Majority Required: 61 seats

• Election Date: 27 October 2026

• Government Formation Mandate: 8 November 2026

• Initial Time Limit: 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension

Israel Parliamentary Election 2026 Results

The October 2026 parliamentary election produced no clear majority for either major political bloc.

Netanyahu's Likud emerged as the largest individual party with 27 seats, while Eisenkot's Yashar secured 21 seats.

Although Netanyahu's bloc won more seats than Eisenkot's alliance, Eisenkot received more recommendations during presidential consultations.

This distinction is important because a presidential recommendation does not automatically guarantee a parliamentary majority.

Who Is Gadi Eisenkot?

Gadi Eisenkot is an Israeli politician and former military commander.

He served as the 21st Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 2015 to 2019.

He later entered politics and became the leader of the Yashar Party.

Following the October 2026 election, President Isaac Herzog selected Eisenkot to attempt government formation.

Major Challenges in Government Formation

1. Lack of Parliamentary Majority

Eisenkot's alliance holds 48 seats, below the 61 required for a majority in the Knesset.

2. Support from Arab-Led Parties

Arab-led parties hold 19 seats and recommended Eisenkot for the government formation mandate. However, some parties within his alliance oppose forming a government dependent on their support.

3. Negotiations with Ultra-Orthodox Parties

Eisenkot may seek cooperation with ultra-Orthodox parties. Disagreements over military service exemptions remain a major obstacle.

4. National Unity Government

Another possibility involves cooperation with Netanyahu's Likud or other parties in his political bloc.

However, significant political differences make negotiations challenging.

How Is a Government Formed in Israel?

Israel follows a parliamentary system of government.

After parliamentary elections, the President consults political parties and selects a member of the Knesset considered capable of forming a government.

The selected leader normally receives 28 days to establish a coalition, with a possible extension of 14 days.

The proposed government must obtain the confidence of the Knesset.

If the candidate fails, another political leader may receive an opportunity to form a government.

Why Are These Developments Important?

Israel's political developments are significant because the next government will influence:

• Israel's domestic governance and political stability

• The Israel–Palestine conflict and Gaza-related negotiations

• Regional security and relations with Iran

• Israel's relations with neighbouring countries

• Diplomatic relations with the United States and other international partners

The government formation process may also influence Israel's foreign policy and regional security decisions.

Important Facts for Competitive Exams

Conclusion

The decision to task Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel's next government represents an important development following the October 2026 parliamentary election.

Despite receiving recommendations from 67 lawmakers, Eisenkot still faces difficult coalition negotiations.

As of 9 November 2026, a new government has not yet been formed, and Benjamin Netanyahu remains Prime Minister while negotiations continue.