JERUSALEM, November 6, 2026: Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to select a politician to attempt to form a government on Sunday, November 8, after opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot secured recommendations from 67 of the Knesset’s 120 lawmakers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received 46 recommendations, but the arithmetic does not guarantee that either leader can assemble a workable coalition.
What the election results show
Netanyahu’s Likud emerged as the largest individual party in the October 27 election with 27 seats. His broader religious-nationalist bloc secured 53 seats, short of the 61 required for a parliamentary majority. Four Jewish-led opposition parties together won 48 seats, while two Arab-led lists won an unprecedented 19.
Both Arab-led groups recommended Eisenkot for the task of forming a government. Their recommendations helped push him past 61 endorsements, but an endorsement to the president is not the same as a commitment to join or support a governing coalition. Some potential partners have ruled out governing with Arab-led parties, leaving negotiations complicated.
Why Netanyahu is under pressure
United Torah Judaism, a longtime Netanyahu ally, declined to recommend either contender in consultations with Herzog. Netanyahu has also questioned aspects of the election result. Israel’s Central Election Committee said the integrity of the vote had not been compromised.
What happens on November 8?
Herzog says he will announce his choice on Sunday. The nominated candidate will normally have 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension. Netanyahu remains prime minister in a caretaker capacity until a new government takes office or another election becomes necessary.
For readers outside Israel, the outcome could affect Gaza negotiations, regional diplomacy and Israel’s relationship with Washington. The immediate question is not simply who receives the nomination, but who can command a durable parliamentary majority.
Sources: Reuters, November 5; Associated Press election analysis.
Related reading: Israel election background | Gaza peace roadmap | Regional diplomacy and Palestinian statehood.
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