Gadi Eisenkot Emerges as Top Candidate for Israeli Government Formation

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the opposition bloc, is now the top candidate to form Israel’s next government after the recent elections. This development comes as the United Torah Judaism party, traditionally allied with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has decided not to endorse him.

On November 4, 2026, the Raam party, which represents Arab-Israeli interests, recommended Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog. This recommendation follows an election held on October 27, where neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot secured enough votes for a majority.

President Herzog is currently in discussions with political parties to decide who will be asked to form the government. Traditionally, the candidate with the most endorsements from other parties is given this responsibility, which currently favors Eisenkot.

Despite this support, Eisenkot has not clearly stated whether he would accept help from Arab parties to form a government. The United Torah Judaism party, which has supported Netanyahu in the past, has also chosen not to back him this time, indicating a shift in political dynamics.

Netanyahu’s political bloc holds 53 seats in the 120-member parliament, while Eisenkot’s bloc has 48. The Raam party’s support could help Eisenkot secure a majority, but it may also alienate some of his potential allies.

As the situation develops, President Herzog will give the mandate to either Eisenkot or Netanyahu, who will then have 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension if needed.