Israel Election Deadlock: President Herzog Hands Mandate to Gadi Eisenkot in High-Stakes Coalition Race

JERUSALEM — Israeli President Isaac Herzog has officially handed the mandate to form a new government to Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot, setting off a tense parliamentary scramble to break a deep political stalemate following the 2026 legislative elections.

With neither major political bloc securing the 61-seat threshold needed for an outright Knesset majority, Eisenkot now faces a strict 28-day window to cobble together a working coalition. The general election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc trailing with 53 seats, opening the door for Eisenkot to gather crucial recommendations from opposition factions, including Yair Golan’s Democrats and supporting Arab parties.

The Scramble for a Fragile Majority

Eisenkot’s path to assembling a stable administration is fraught with legislative obstacles. The Yashar chief has laid down firm ground rules for prospective partners, demanding strict adherence to national service reforms and a clear-cut policy on security matters.

Outgoing Prime Minister Netanyahu has fiercely opposed the transition, warning against any administration reliant on Arab factions and pushing instead for a broad unity government. Despite Netanyahu's resistance, rival party leaders are moving quickly to consolidate power and freeze out Likud’s long-standing leadership.

Shifting Alliances and Conscription Battles

Political realignments have accelerated behind closed doors. Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman recently softened his stance on Haredi parties joining a coalition, opening delicate negotiations over military conscription exemptions for ultra-Orthodox citizens—a perennial flashpoint in Israeli politics.

Concurrently, opposition parties are locked in intense lobbying to secure powerful parliamentary committee roles, including the pivotal position of Knesset Speaker, ahead of the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset. If Eisenkot fails to build a viable government within his allotted timeframe, Israel could face the unprecedented and chaotic prospect of another snap election.