Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on Saturday evening, November 7, 2026, that he had decided to task Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, with forming the country’s new government. The decision followed the October 27 parliamentary election and the conclusion of the president’s consultations with political parties.

According to Reuters and Israeli media, Herzog informed the Yashar leader of his decision after further talks with party leaders, including Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot. The formal ceremony to assign the mandate is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, at 5pm Israel time and 6pm Turkey time, at the president’s residence.

According to the results of the president’s formal consultations, parties holding a combined 67 of the Knesset’s 120 seats recommended Eisenkot to form the government. By contrast, 46 lawmakers backed Netanyahu for another term as prime minister, while the religious United Torah Judaism party, which holds seven seats, declined to endorse either candidate.

In the recent election, Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 seats, the four main opposition parties secured 48, and two Arab lists won a combined 19 seats. Netanyahu’s Likud remains the largest party in parliament with 27 seats, followed by Eisenkot’s Yashar party with 21.

However, the support of 67 lawmakers for giving Eisenkot the mandate does not mean they have agreed to form a coalition government. Divisions among opposition parties, particularly over cooperation with the two Arab lists and the participation of religious parties, remain major obstacles to forming a new government.

Under Israeli law, Eisenkot will have 28 days after formally receiving the mandate to form a coalition capable of winning a Knesset confidence vote. If necessary, the president may extend the deadline by up to 14 days.

If Eisenkot fails, the legal process of considering other candidates to form a government will continue. Benjamin Netanyahu will remain Israel’s prime minister until a new government is formed and wins parliament’s confidence.