# Israeli opposition leader Eisenkot begins the hard work of forging a coalition government

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/israeli-opposition-leader-eisenkot-begins-the-hard-work-of-forging-a-coalition-government/
- Published: 2026-11-08T21:10:13+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T22:37:40+00:00
- Original publisher: France 24 (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20261108-israeli-opposition-leader-eisenkot-begins-the-hard-work-of-forging-a-coalition-government
- Topics: Government, Middle East, Politics, World

## Key points

- Herzog tasked Eisenkot with forming Israel’s next government.
- He has six weeks to assemble a parliamentary majority.
- Arab party support could prove decisive but remains contentious.

## Summary

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has asked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to try to form the next government, giving him a chance to replace Benjamin Netanyahu after the 27 October election left neither bloc with a majority. The appointment starts difficult coalition negotiations and does not guarantee Eisenkot will become prime minister.

Eisenkot has up to six weeks to secure enough support in the Knesset. Arab-led parties could help him reach a majority: Ra’am has pledged support, while the Joint List has offered backing from outside a coalition, but potential partners disagree over the terms and implications. Eisenkot has set conditions including recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state; other possible routes involve power-sharing with Netanyahu or concessions to ultra-Orthodox parties seeking military-service exemptions.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.