Netanyahu loses the first move in forming Israel’s next government. His opponents are trying to build a coalition without him.

Netanyahu’s Likud won the most seats, but that hasn’t been enough to keep him in control. After the October 27 election, his bloc had 53 seats against 48 for the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot, with Arab parties holding another 19. On November 5, President Herzog reported that 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot for the job, compared with 46 backing Netanyahu. On November 7, Herzog announced his intention to give Eisenkot the mandate. Yesterday, he formally handed it over. Eisenkot now has 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension, to assemble a government. Netanyahu hasn’t been removed yet, but the opposition has won the first round.

https://www.president.gov.il/en/president-herzog-tasks-gadi-eisenkot-with-forming-a-government/

https://www.president.gov.il/en/president-herzog-concludes-consultations-and-announces-he-will-task-gadi-eisenkot-with-forming-a-government/

https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/2026-11-09/live-updates-914287