Israeli opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot to form governing coalition

Mr Eisenkot, a former military chief, ran as the main challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading a bloc of parties seeking to oust Israel’s longest-serving premier

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar (“Straight”) party, waves to supporters following the release of the first exit poll results in Israel’s general election in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

Sat, 07 Nov, 2026 - 19:53

Associated Press reporters

Israeli president Isaac Herzog said on Saturday night that he was giving opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot the first opportunity to form a governing coalition following elections on October 27.

Mr Eisenkot, a former military chief, ran as the main challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading a bloc of parties seeking to oust Israel’s longest-serving premier.

Neither Mr Eisenkot nor Mr Netanyahu won a clear majority in the vote. But in marathon discussions with the president this week, representatives from most of Israel’s main parties recommended Mr Eisenkot be tasked with assembling a new government.