Eisenkot Open to Netanyahu Joining Israel's Next Government

What Happened

On November 8, 2026, Israel's President Isaac Herzog tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the country's next government, following inconclusive elections on October 27, 2026. Eisenkot, who ran as Netanyahu's main rival, has six weeks to form a new government.

In a speech at the ceremony in Herzog's office in Jerusalem, Eisenkot suggested that Netanyahu's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was also welcome to join the coalition lineup. Eisenkot stated that if members of Likud and the Religious Zionist Party truly believe this is a time for unity, he cannot conceive of any reason why they would not support a government under his leadership and the principles he has presented.

What the Evidence Establishes

The evidence establishes that Eisenkot's four-party alliance won 48 seats in the October 27 elections, while Netanyahu's right-wing and religious bloc secured 53 seats, leaving both short of the 61 needed for a parliamentary majority. Arab-led parties, representing Palestinian citizens of Israel, won a record 19 seats.

Eisenkot has ruled out forming a government with the Arab-led parties, which would give him a 67-seat bloc. Winning over the two ultra-Orthodox parties, United Torah Judaism and Shas, would give him exactly 61 seats. He could also form a government with fewer than 61 seats if he wins a parliamentary confidence vote.

Where the Accounts Conflict

There are conflicting accounts regarding Netanyahu's intentions and the opposition's willingness to work with him. Many of Netanyahu's critics say that his aim is to remain as caretaker prime minister and potentially sabotage attempts to gain a vote of confidence.

Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh reported that Netanyahu still has time to derail Gadi Eisenkot's efforts to form a government and that the big question in Israeli politics now is whether the opposition really wants to get rid of Netanyahu or is willing to risk keeping him in power by going back to the ballot box.

Context and Stakes

The context of the current situation in Israel is complex, with the country facing uncertainties after the November 3 midterm elections in the United States, which brought victories for several political figures critical of Israel and the US's military support. President Herzog warned that the country needs a stable government, pointing to the 'new political reality' in the US.

The stakes are high, with the potential for a new government to impact the country's relationships with the US and other nations, as well as the ongoing conflict with Palestine. Eisenkot's willingness to include Netanyahu in his coalition lineup adds a layer of complexity to the situation, with some critics arguing that it could undermine the opposition's efforts to remove Netanyahu from power.

What to Watch Next

Over the next six weeks, Eisenkot will attempt to form a new government, which could involve negotiations with various parties, including Likud and the Religious Zionist Party. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial in determining the future of Israel's government and the country's relationships with other nations.

Additionally, the US midterm elections have created a new political reality, with several political figures critical of Israel and the US's military support. The impact of this new reality on Israel's government and relationships with the US will be closely watched in the coming weeks and months.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the situation in Israel is complex and uncertain, with Eisenkot's willingness to include Netanyahu in his coalition lineup adding a layer of complexity to the situation. The stakes are high, with the potential for a new government to impact the country's relationships with the US and other nations, as well as the ongoing conflict with Palestine.

The next six weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Israel's government, and the outcome of Eisenkot's efforts to form a new government will be closely watched. The impact of the US midterm elections on Israel's government and relationships with the US will also be an important factor to consider in the coming weeks and months.