Netanyahu and Eisenkot Seek Shot to Be Israel’s Premier

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Netanyahu and Eisenkot Vie for Control of Israeli Government

   Benjamin Netanyahu remains in office but lacks a parliamentary majority following inconclusive elections. Gadi Eisenkot is attempting to form a government, though he must resolve internal opposition divisions and meet coalition conditions with Arab parties to succeed. President Isaac Herzog has begun an unusual process of coalition consultations starting with the smallest Knesset parties. While thousands have rallied to support an Eisenkot-Arab deal to remove Netanyahu, undecided parties currently hold the power to determine who will lead the next government.

   Why it matters

   The political deadlock follows an election where Netanyahu's bloc lost its majority despite significant support. This struggle represents a collision between two different visions for the future of Israel. The outcome determines whether the country faces a new government or another election.

   What is confirmed

   • Benjamin Netanyahu remains in office without a parliamentary majority.
   • Gadi Eisenkot is seeking to form a government but faces opposition divisions.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Netanyahu might abandon certain policies to secure support from Eisenkot.

   What to watch next

   • Results of President Herzog's consultations with Knesset parties
   • Whether Arab parties agree to Eisenkot's coalition conditions
   • Confirmation of whether Likud recognizes the election results
   Sources used for this update (24)

   1. PBS — Difficult negotiations lie ahead in Israel after Netanyahu's bloc lost its parliamentary majority
   2. The Atlantic — Tel Aviv’s Last Stand
   3. www.jpost.com — Benjamin Netanyahu vs Gadi Eisenkot: Israel's coalition ...
   4. Al Jazeera — Thousands rally in Israel urging Eisenkot-Arab deal to remove Netanyahu
   5. Al Jazeera — Israel election: When will government be formed, who will lead it?
   6. The New York Times — Israel Turns to Next Big Question: Who Gets a Shot at Being Prime Minister?
   7. The Jerusalem Post — In unusual move, Herzog to begin coalition consultations with smallest Knesset parties
   8. Reuters — Isaac Herzog: the mild-mannered middleman in Israel's political brawl
   9. Haaretz — Analysis • Israel's great political paradox should never have happened
   10. The Washington Post — Two visions for Israel’s future collide amid uncertain election results
   11. Salon.com — The dark paradox of Israel’s election — and ours
   12. Haaretz — Israel Election 2026 Netanyahu's Likud Weighs Refusing to Recognize Election Results
   confidence 90%