Since the October 27, 2026, elections, a major change in Israeli politics has occurred. The opposition leader, Gadi Eisenkot, was handed a huge political blow by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who has tasked him with forming the next coalition government. Centrist party leader Eisenkot has six weeks to form a replacement for Netanyahu’s government. To follow the latest news on the Israeli election results, check the results page on Times of Israel.
Likud’s Role in the New Government
Although Yashar’s party, Yesh Atzmo won 48 seats to Netanyahu’s Likud party’s 27 seats, neither group managed to get a majority to rule on their own. In a surprising twist, Eisenkot has just announced publicly that Netanyahu’s Likud party is invited to join him in his government.
The openness indicates that a wide coalition, in the style of a unity government, could form, but has been put on strict conditions by Eisenkot, who has said that any Arab party that enters such a coalition must recognize Israel as a Jewish state.
Election Results and Political Landscape
The 2026 election results saw Likud garner the highest number of seats at 27, followed by Eisenkot’s Yashar alliance with 48 seats (as part of a larger bloc). But the road to majority is tough. Eisenkot’s alliance, led by Together party leader Naftali Bennett, gained a strong bloc but still needs to work out a deal with the smaller parties to form a stable government. To see the results of the election in detail, check out Haaretz’s long report.
Future Implications
Netanyahu, who finished in second place, was not selected to lead a government, a rare defeat for the long-serving prime minister. Eisenkot will have to maneuver in this fine balance during the coming weeks or will Likud agree to a coalition, or will Eisenkot look elsewhere? Whoever forms Israel’s next government will shape the country’s politics for years to come. Stay updated on Al Jazeera’s Middle East news.
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