Israeli President Gives Gadi Eisenkot Mandate to Seek New Government

JERUSALEM — Israeli President Isaac Herzog has selected Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, to attempt to form a new government following the country's parliamentary election.

The president's office announced the decision on November 7 and scheduled the formal presentation of the mandate for November 8. The move followed consultations in which factions representing 67 members of the Knesset recommended Eisenkot.

Coalition support is not yet a government

According to the president's office, parties representing 46 lawmakers backed incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while one faction with seven seats made no recommendation.

The recommendation tally positions Eisenkot to begin coalition talks, but he must still secure a viable governing arrangement. Receiving the mandate does not mean his cabinet has been formed or that a new government has taken office.

Under Israel's Basic Law, the candidate initially has 28 days to form a government. The president can authorise an extension of up to 14 additional days if the process requires more time.

What happens next

Political parties are expected to negotiate cabinet responsibilities, policy priorities and parliamentary support. Talks could prove difficult given differences over domestic policy, security and Israel's regional relations.

Israel's government-formation process is consequential beyond the country because decisions on regional security, the Palestinian territories and diplomatic relations are closely watched internationally.

GhanaCurrent will report the outcome of coalition negotiations as a separate development once a government is formally established or another step is announced.

Original official announcement: President of the State of Israel, November 7, 2026. https://www.gov.il/en/pages/president-herzog-concludes-consultations-and-announces-he-will-task-gadi-eisenkot-with-forming-a-government-7-nov-2026