Bennett, Golan pledge to back Eisenkot for PM, as bloc mulls which coalition to seek

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Israel Election: Bennett, Liberman and Golan Back Eisenkot for PM

   Israeli political figures Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Liberman, and Yair Golan have endorsed Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government as coalition talks unfold. Avigdor Liberman confirmed he will recommend Eisenkot for prime minister and Yair Lapid for Knesset speaker, while ruling out Benjamin Netanyahu and stating that a minority government will not happen. President Isaac Herzog is preparing to begin consultations. Parties are currently navigating coalition options, with the potential role of Arab parties remaining unclear and United Torah Judaism considering withholding its recommendation.

   Why it matters

   The political maneuvers follow the 2026 Israeli elections, which feature a tight race between Gadi Eisenkot and Benjamin Netanyahu to reach the threshold of 61 Knesset seats. Endorsements from key political factions dictate who will receive the presidential mandate to assemble a governing coalition. These developments shape the configuration of the anti-Netanyahu bloc as party leaders strategize.

   What is confirmed

   • Naftali Bennett's party announced it would back Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister.
   • Avigdor Liberman stated he will recommend Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister and Yair Lapid for Knesset speaker.
   • Yair Golan's Democrats will recommend Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister.
   • Avigdor Liberman ruled out Benjamin Netanyahu and stated that a minority government will not happen.

   Still unconfirmed

   • United Torah Judaism is considering refraining from recommending any candidate to the president.
   • Avigdor Liberman berated Gadi Eisenkot in a tense meeting, accusing him of damaging the anti-Netanyahu bloc and blaming him for the election result.

   What to watch next

   • President Isaac Herzog beginning official coalition consultations with party leaders.
   • Decisions from Arab parties regarding whether they will support Gadi Eisenkot.
   • A final determination from United Torah Judaism on whether to recommend a candidate.
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. Ynetnews — Liberman berates Eisenkot in tense meeting, accuses him of damaging anti-Netanyahu bloc
   2. The Jerusalem Post — Avigdor Liberman backs Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister, Yair Lapid for Knesset speaker
   3. Haaretz — Lieberman backs Eisenkot to form coalition, Lapid for Knesset speaker
   4. The Jerusalem Post — Israel Election 2026 live updates: Eisenkot, Netanyahu race to 61 Knesset seats
   5. www.israelhayom.com — Liberman backs Eisenkot for prime minister, blames him for election result
   6. i24NEWS — Lieberman: “A minority government will not happen”; will recommend Eisenkot to form gov. rules out Netanyahu
   7. The Times of Israel — Bennett, Golan pledge to back Eisenkot for PM, as bloc mulls which coalition to seek
   8. The Times of Israel — To Israel’s future prime minister-designate: Remember what binds us
   9. TRT World — Former Israeli Prime Minister Bennett's party backs Eisenkot to form next government
   10. Northeast Times — Israel Coalition Talks: Liberman, Bennett and Golan Back Eisenkot for Prime Minister as Herzog Prepares Consultations
   11. Al-Monitor — Israel's Eisenkot gains key endorsements, but Arab parties' role unclear
   12. The Times of Israel — Ending speculation, Liberman says he'll recommend Eisenkot to be prime minister, Lapid to be Knesset speaker
   confidence 95%