Israel Election 2026 live updates: Eisenkot, Netanyahu race to build government

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Herzog tasks Eisenkot with forming government after Netanyahu loses majority

   President Isaac Herzog has given Gadi Eisenkot 28 days to build a coalition after consultations showed him securing the most Knesset endorsements. Netanyahu's traditional ultra-Orthodox allies, United Torah Judaism and Shas, declined to back him, leaving the incumbent without a clear path to a 61-seat majority. Eisenkot now leads the race to replace Israel's longest-serving prime minister.

   Why it matters

   The election left neither bloc with an outright majority, pushing the decision to Herzog's consultations. Netanyahu has relied on Haredi parties since 2009, but their refusal to endorse him signals a historic shift. Eisenkot must still navigate a fragmented opposition that includes Arab parties, secular nationalists, and former Netanyahu allies to reach 61 seats.

   What is confirmed

   • President Isaac Herzog tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government on November 7, giving him 28 days to secure a 61-seat majority.
   • United Torah Judaism declined to endorse any candidate for prime minister during Herzog's consultations.
   • Shas also withheld endorsement from Netanyahu, marking the first time since 2009 that Haredi parties have not backed him.
   • Eisenkot received the most endorsements from party leaders during the consultation rounds.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Shas may still join an Eisenkot-led coalition despite denying current reports.
   • Netanyahu is pushing for a unity government with Eisenkot to remain in power.
   • Opposition parties are seeking to replace the Knesset speaker amid fears of a Likud procedural blockade.

   What to watch next

   • Whether Eisenkot can finalize coalition agreements with Arab parties, Avigdor Liberman, and Naftali Bennett within 28 days
   • If Netanyahu attempts legislative or procedural moves to delay the transition
   • Whether Shas or United Torah Judaism shift position and negotiate entry into a new government
   Sources used for this update (23)

   1. www.aljazeera.com — Israel Election 2026 | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
   2. transcripts.cnn.com — Fears That Trump Plans To Restart A Massive War On Iran After The Midterm Elections; President Trump May Not Be On The Ballot, But....
   3. www.jpost.com — Israel Election 2026 live updates: Eisenkot, Netanyahu race ...
   4. The Jerusalem Post — Israel Election 2026 live updates: Eisenkot, Netanyahu race to build government
   5. The Times of Israel — United Torah Judaism declines to endorse candidate for prime minister in Herzog consultations
   6. Haaretz — Haredi party may refuse to back Netanyahu for PM for first time since 2009
   7. i24NEWS — Shas And UTJ Weigh Coalition Options As Eisenkot Seeks Path To Majority
   8. Ynetnews — Second Round of Consultations Opens at President's Residence, Goldknopf: 'Torah Scholars Are Being Persecuted'
   9. Haaretz — Israeli Haredi Party Abstains From Backing Any Candidate in Presidential Talks
   10. The Jerusalem Post — Presidential consultations enter final stretch in selection of prime minister
   11. Ynetnews — As Haredi allies withhold support for Netanyahu, Eisenkot poised to secure most endorsements
   12. www.jpost.com — Israel Election 2026 live updates: Eisenkot, Netanyahu race ...
   confidence 93%