Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and its far-right allies to join a new government under his leadership, signalling an effort to build a broad national unity coalition following Israel’s inconclusive parliamentary election.
Eisenkot made the offer on November 8, 2026, after President Isaac Herzog formally appointed him to try to form the country’s next government. He said members of Likud and the Religious Zionist Party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, were welcome to support his government if they genuinely believed in national unity and accepted his proposed principles.
Eisenkot Calls for a National Emergency Government
Addressing the political situation, Eisenkot said Israel needed a government capable of responding to the country’s security, diplomatic and domestic challenges.
He argued that there was no reason for Likud and the Religious Zionist Party to stay outside his proposed coalition if they genuinely supported unity.
Eisenkot has repeatedly called for a change in leadership and said he intends to establish a government based on national priorities rather than continuing the existing political divisions.
Netanyahu’s Political Future at Stake
The invitation comes as Netanyahu attempts to retain political influence after his governing coalition lost its parliamentary majority in the October 27 election.
Netanyahu’s Likud party remains the largest individual party in the incoming Knesset, with 27 seats. However, his broader right-wing and religious bloc secured only 53 seats, falling short of the 61 required for a majority in the 120-member parliament.
Eisenkot’s four-party alliance holds 48 seats, while Arab-led parties secured 19 seats, making coalition negotiations particularly important.
28 Days to Form the Next Government
Eisenkot has 28 days to assemble a governing coalition, with the possibility of a 14-day extension from the president.
His options include negotiating with Likud members, securing support from ultra-Orthodox parties or seeking backing from Arab-led political groups. However, disagreements over military conscription and the participation of Arab parties could complicate the negotiations.
Netanyahu has also called for a national unity government, but the central disagreement remains who would lead it. Eisenkot has made it clear that any government formed through his initiative would be under his leadership.
The coming weeks will determine whether Eisenkot can secure the necessary parliamentary support and bring an end to Netanyahu’s tenure as prime minister.
