Bennett backs Gadi Eisenkot for Israel prime minister

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett announced on Sunday, November 1, that his B’Yachad (Together) faction would recommend Gadi Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog for the task of forming Israel’s next government.

In a post on X on Sunday night, Bennett said he had promised throughout the election campaign to respect the voters’ decision and was honouring that commitment. He also wished Eisenkot success in forming the government.

לאורך כל מערכת הבחירות הבטחתי לכבד את הכרעת הבוחר, וכך אני עושה כעת.

על כן החלטתי שסיעת ״ביחד״ תמליץ לנשיא להטיל את מלאכת הרכבת הממשלה על גדי איזנקוט.
בהצלחה גדי!

— Naftali Bennett נפתלי בנט (@naftalibennett) November 1, 2026

The announcement followed the election results, in which Eisenkot’s Yashar party secured 21 seats, making it the largest party in the opposition bloc. Bennett’s B’Yachad won 12 seats, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud secured 27.

Netanyahu’s right-wing and religious bloc holds 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, short of the 61 required for a parliamentary majority. The opposition bloc has 48 seats, while Arab-led parties Ra’am and the Joint List hold eight and 11 seats, respectively.

Although parties outside Netanyahu’s bloc account for 67 seats collectively, this does not necessarily translate into a unified coalition behind Eisenkot.

The Joint List and Ra’am are expected to recommend Eisenkot during consultations with Herzog, a senior Joint List official told Walla on Sunday.Their backing would add to the recommendations he receives from opposition parties.

The consultations at the President’s Residence are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, November 4. Eisenkot could be the first candidate to receive the mandate to form a government, giving him 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension, to assemble a coalition.

Ahead of the consultations, Herzog urged political leaders to accept the election outcome and show flexibility in coalition negotiations. He warned that political deadlock could lead to another election.

The newly elected Knesset is scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday, November 10, regardless of the progress of coalition negotiations.

Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News, Technology, Entertainment, Sports, Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS.