🔴 Israeli president picks Netanyahu's rival Eisenkot to try to form government
Also reported by Axios
Summary
Israeli President Isaac Herzog selected Gadi Eisenkot to try to form a government after the October 27 election produced no clear majority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition lost its majority but remained the largest parliamentary bloc, while Eisenkot’s opposition bloc has not agreed to work with Arab parties that could help it secure a majority.Key Facts
- Herzog announced Eisenkot’s appointment on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
- Eisenkot leads the Yashar party and is a former military chief.
- The October 27 parliamentary election left both Eisenkot and Netanyahu without a clear path to a majority.
- Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist coalition lost its majority but remained the largest bloc in parliament.
- Eisenkot’s anti-Netanyahu bloc has refused to join with Arab parties.
- Arab leaders nominated Eisenkot during talks with Herzog.
