Netanyahu lost his majority, but can the opposition form a government? A look at possible paths ahead
Benjamin Netanyahu remains in office but lacks a parliamentary majority following the 2026 elections. Anti-Netanyahu parties now hold a majority of Knesset seats, leaving Gadi Eisenkot as the primary challenger to form a new government. However, Eisenkot faces internal opposition divisions and has not yet reached an agreement with Arab parties, who do not meet his coalition conditions. President Herzog must select a candidate to lead government formation by November 11, or the country faces the possibility of another election.
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- ✓ Benjamin Netanyahu remains in office without a majority.
- ✓ Anti-Netanyahu parties won a majority of Knesset seats.
- ✓ President Herzog must tap a candidate to form a new government by November 11.
What changed
President Herzog has a deadline of November 11 to tap a candidate to form a government.
Live updates
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Israel Faces Government Deadlock After Netanyahu Loses Majority
Benjamin Netanyahu remains in office but lacks a parliamentary majority following the 2026 elections. Anti-Netanyahu parties now hold a majority of Knesset seats, leaving Gadi Eisenkot as the primary challenger to form a new government. However, Eisenkot faces internal opposition divisions and has not yet reached an agreement with Arab parties, who do not meet his coalition conditions. President Herzog must select a candidate to lead government formation by November 11, or the country faces the possibility of another election.
Why it matters
The current political instability stems from a shift in the Knesset where the opposition has gained the numbers necessary to potentially displace Netanyahu. Forming a stable coalition requires navigating steep political costs and bridging gaps between diverse anti-Netanyahu factions. This process determines whether Israel can establish a functioning executive or will enter a cycle of repeated elections.
What is confirmed
- Benjamin Netanyahu remains in office without a majority.
- Anti-Netanyahu parties won a majority of Knesset seats.
- President Herzog must tap a candidate to form a new government by November 11.
Still unconfirmed
- Arab parties do not currently meet Gadi Eisenkot's coalition conditions.
- Gadi Eisenkot must overcome opposition divisions to form a government or face another election.
What to watch next
- President Herzog's selection of a government-forming candidate by November 11
- Results of consultations at the President's Residence
- Potential coalition agreements between Gadi Eisenkot and Arab parties
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.jpost.com — Benjamin Netanyahu vs Gadi Eisenkot: Israel's coalition ...
- Al Jazeera — Israel election: When will government be formed, who will lead it?
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- The Times of Israel — Netanyahu lost his majority, but can the opposition form a government? A look at possible paths ahead
- Jewish Insider — Arab parties still don’t meet Eisenkot’s coalition conditions
- The Washington Post — Rigged! Candidates worldwide follow Trump in alleging election fraud.
- www.jpost.com — Gadi Eisenkot: Benjamin Netanyahu lacks majority, opposition ...
- www.aljazeera.com — Israel election: When will government be formed, who will ...
- thedispatch.com — The Paths to Israel’s Next Government, Explained
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