Herzog Expected to Give Eisenkot Mandate on Sunday as Coalition Talks Remain Unresolved

Gadi Eisenkot received recommendations from 67 lawmakers, but disagreements over Arab-party support and cooperation with Haredi parties leave the shape of Israel’s next government unsettled.

President Isaac Herzog is expected to give Gadi Eisenkot the mandate to form Israel’s next government on Sunday, November 8, Ynet reported Saturday. Herzog has confirmed the planned timing, but a formal announcement naming his choice is still pending.

Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar! party, emerged from the presidential consultations with recommendations from parties representing 67 members of the 120-seat Knesset. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received 46 recommendations. United Torah Judaism, which holds seven seats, recommended neither candidate.

Why 67 Recommendations Do Not Settle the Coalition

The recommendation count gives Eisenkot a clear advantage in the race for the mandate, but the parties that backed him have not agreed to support the same government.

That distinction was central to Herzog’s statement on Thursday, November 5. The president said the consultation results appeared clear, while the ability to assemble a government remained uncertain because parties were ruling out cooperation both across the political blocs and within them. He said he would hold further personal discussions with some party leaders before assigning the mandate.

Eisenkot’s recommendations came from his four party bloc and the two Arab-led parties, Ra’am and the Joint List. Those endorsements bring together lawmakers who agree on giving him the opportunity to form a government but remain divided over the partnership needed to make that happen.

Eisenkot’s Proposed 48-Seat Government

Eisenkot is pushing to establish a government around the four parties in his bloc: Yashar!, B’Yachad, also known as Together, the Democrats and Yisrael Beytenu. Together, they hold 48 seats.

According to Ynet, his approach would allow additional parties or lawmakers to join immediately or later, provided they accept his founding principles. These include recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, accepting the values of the Declaration of Independence, requiring military, national or civilian service for all, and recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization while committing to dismantling its military and governing power.

Political journalist Amit Segal described the proposed parliamentary arrangement more directly in a Telegram post: a minority government of 48 lawmakers, with outside support from Arab parties and possible abstention by United Torah Judaism.

Outside support would allow a party to help the government win parliamentary approval without joining the coalition. Abstention would have a different effect, reducing the number of votes against it. Neither arrangement follows automatically from a party’s recommendation to the president.

Liberman’s Conditions Complicate Negotiations

Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman remains opposed to a minority government dependent on the Arab parties. In remarks reported by Ynet on Friday, he rejected a government relying even on abstention by Ra’am and the Joint List. At the same time, he said other issues were open to compromise, including the military draft law, opening the door to cooperation with the Haredi parties.

That leaves Eisenkot facing a disagreement within the group he wants to make the foundation of his government. Liberman’s party is part of the proposed 48-seat coalition, yet its leader opposes the outside parliamentary backing described in the minority government plan.

Conscription also creates a potential negotiating obstacle. Eisenkot has retained service for all among his stated principles, while Liberman has signaled willingness to compromise on the issue to reach a coalition agreement.

What Happens After Herzog’s Decision

If Herzog assigns Eisenkot the mandate, he will have 28 days to form a government. The president can extend that period by up to 14 additional days, but the extension is discretionary.

A proposed government must then win a confidence vote in the Knesset. That initial vote requires more votes in favor than against; abstentions are excluded from the count. A coalition with fewer than 61 members can therefore take office if it secures sufficient outside support or abstentions.

Netanyahu’s outgoing government continues to carry out its duties until a new government takes office.