Netanyahu Faces Setback as President Names Opponent to Lead New Government
Jerusalem, 8 November – President Isaac Herzog has officially asked Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the opposition and ex‑military commander, to put together a new Israeli government. The move, revealed after a series of talks with party heads, delivers a major blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s effort to retain power after the October 27 vote.
In the consultation process, Eisenkot secured the endorsement of 67 members of the 120‑seat Knesset. By contrast, Netanyahu’s supporters numbered 46 MPs, while seven legislators refrained from voting for either candidate.
Herzog made the announcement on Saturday, 7 November, after meeting with both Netanyahu and Eisenkot among other political figures. The official mandate for cabinet formation will be delivered on Sunday, 8 November, at the presidential residence in Jerusalem, at approximately 5 p.m. local time.
The law grants Eisenkot a 28‑day period to form a coalition, with a possible 14‑day extension if needed. This invitation represents his first realistic chance to displace Netanyahu, who has been Israel’s longest‑serving prime minister.
To secure a governing majority, Eisenkot must obtain at least 61 votes. He currently enjoys the backing of the Change Bloc’s 48 seats, the Arab Party Raam’s seven seats, and a joint list that contributed 12 MKs.
Netanyahu’s camp, composed of right‑wing and religious partners, has the support of 46 MPs, while seven United Torah Judaism members chose not to back any contender.
Although Eisenkot’s 67‑vote count clears the numeric hurdle, the coalition’s ideological diversity—spanning centrist, left‑leaning, and Arab factions—could make negotiations intricate. Arab parties have signaled a willingness to support an Eisenkot‑led government from outside the coalition, but they have not committed to formal participation, and internal dissent exists within Eisenkot’s own alliance regarding dependence on Arab votes.
Eisenkot entered the political scene in 2022. His Yesh Atid party won 21 seats in the recent election, while the broader Change Bloc secured 48 seats. He has attempted to bring together a spectrum of parties, from centrist to right, united by opposition to Netanyahu’s leadership.
Following the October 7 Hamas assault, Eisenkot briefly served in Netanyahu’s wartime cabinet before returning to the opposition, where he has consistently criticised the government’s approach to the Gaza war and refused any future role under Netanyahu’s premiership.
Netanyahu, however, continues to push for a national‑unity government and has repeatedly denounced any coalition that relies on Arab parties, branding them as supporters of terrorism. Eisenkot’s party has rebuked these statements and urged members of the Likud to rethink alliances with far‑right factions.
Key issues that will dominate coalition negotiations include the Gaza conflict, national security, conscription exemptions for ultra‑orthodox Jews, and the broader question of Netanyahu’s political future.
Eisenkot’s possible paths range from forming a minority cabinet with external Arab backing, negotiating with ultra‑orthodox parties, to attempting a broad national‑unity coalition. Each option faces challenges, particularly the contentious debate over religious exemptions from mandatory military service.
If Eisenkot fails to present a cabinet within the allotted 28 days, Herzog may grant an additional two‑week extension. Should a government still not materialise, the president can turn to another candidate, potentially reopening the door for Netanyahu or even triggering fresh elections.
Political observers view President Herzog’s decision as a decisive test of Netanyahu’s decades‑long dominance in Israeli politics.