Israel's newly elected parliament convened on November 10, 2026, following an election that left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud-led alliance short of a parliamentary majority. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot is seeking to form a new government after receiving a mandate from President Isaac Herzog.
The 120-member Knesset has three main political groupings. Netanyahu's bloc holds 53 seats, the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot holds 48 seats, and Arab-led parties have secured 19 seats. A minimum of 61 lawmakers is required to secure a parliamentary majority.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Israel's newly elected 120-member Knesset convened on November 10, 2026.
Netanyahu's Likud-led bloc holds 53 seats.
Eisenkot's opposition bloc holds 48 seats.
Arab-led parties hold 19 seats.
President Isaac Herzog formally appointed Eisenkot to form a government on November 8. Eisenkot received recommendations from lawmakers representing 67 seats.
He has 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension.
President Herzog formally tasked Eisenkot with forming a government on November 8, following consultations with representatives of the elected parties. A total of 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot for the assignment, compared with 46 who recommended Netanyahu, while seven lawmakers did not recommend either candidate.
However, the 67 recommendations do not constitute an agreed governing coalition. Eisenkot faces difficult negotiations because several opposition parties have reservations about relying on Arab-led parties, while cooperation with ultra-Orthodox factions also presents political challenges.
Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a possible extension of up to 14 additional days. He has indicated that he wants to establish a broad government capable of addressing Israel's political and security challenges.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The election has created a parliamentary deadlock that could change Israel's political leadership. The outcome of coalition negotiations will determine the country's next government and influence its domestic, security and regional policies.
The opposition has also raised the need to examine the security failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. Arab-led parties could play an important role in parliamentary decisions, including efforts to establish an inquiry into the attack.
Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister while government formation negotiations continue. If Eisenkot fails to secure sufficient support, the political process could give another lawmaker an opportunity to form a government. Failure to establish a government through the available procedures could eventually lead to another election.
