Eisenkot says Netanyahu's party welcome to join government under him as new Israeli PM

Gadi Eisenkot, tasked on Sunday (November 8, 2026) with forming a new government, said he was open to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and one of his far-right allies joining but under him as the new leader. "f members of Likud and the Religious Zionist Party truly believe this is a time for unity, as they told the president, I cannot conceive of any reason why they would not support a government under my leadership and the principles I have presented," Mr.

Eisenkot said, referring to Mr. Netanyahu's party and that of the far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has officially given opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the first chance to form the next government.

After the formal announcement on Sunday evening (November 8, 2026), Mr. Eisenkot, who ran as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main rival, now has to launch complicated negotiations with potential coalition partners. He has six weeks to form a government.

The October 27 elections gave neither Mr. Netanyahu’s bloc nor Mr. Eisenkot a clear majority in parliament. Among the kingmakers — and most politically fraught potential allies — are the Arab-led parties. They made historic gains in the election and have been a target of Netanyahu and his allies ALSO WATCH Israel: Netanyahu rival Gadi Eisenkot gets first chance to form new government