Israel coalition negotiations remain unresolved after Eisenkot receives mandate
Updated November 12, 2026
Coalition talks and parliamentary control: November 12 update
Israel's new parliament was sworn in on November 10 without a settled governing coalition. The published report's review of Israeli media describes two related but different contests: assembling enough support to govern and deciding who controls parliamentary posts and committees. Gadi Eisenkot's mandate is an opportunity to negotiate, not proof that he has become prime minister. Another election is a possibility discussed by commentators, not an election announced in this report.
The media review records TheMarker and Channel 13 warning that a failure to compromise could produce another election. They point to divisions among Netanyahu's opponents, including disagreements over cooperation with Arab parties and possible support from ultra-Orthodox parties. The newspaper Yated Ne'eman, associated with a faction of United Torah Judaism, argued that its community should not simply be assigned to either the left or right bloc. These are published political positions and assessments, not evidence that a coalition agreement has been signed.
The published report's account also contrasts parties' approaches to parliamentary appointments. Ynet reported that Eisenkot's Yashar party wanted the speaker's post, with committee roles distributed among partners, and named former religious-services minister Matan Kahana as a possible speaker. A Channel 14 commentator described control of parliament as part of a step-by-step strategy to strengthen Eisenkot's leadership before any government formally takes office. Haaretz characterised the coalition-building task as extremely difficult. These descriptions should remain attributed rather than be presented as settled appointments.
The distinction between parliamentary votes and joining a cabinet is important. The published report's media review says the parties representing Palestinian citizens hold 19 of the Knesset's 120 seats and could influence appointments. Ynet nevertheless described their entry into an Eisenkot-led coalition as unlikely at that stage. Channel 14 criticised dependence on their votes, while Democrats leader Yair Golan, speaking on public broadcaster Kan, urged partners not to exclude Arab parties or citizens. A vote for a speaker, a recommendation to the president and a commitment to sustain a government are different decisions.
Maariv's discussion of possible parliamentary action included a national inquiry into the October 7 attacks and repeal of laws limiting Supreme Court powers. The the published report review reports these as political plans under discussion. It does not establish that the measures have passed, that a cabinet has been formed or that Netanyahu's tenure has ended. Earlier predictions of an almost certain change of government should not be treated as the current factual position.
Gadi Eisenkot has been given the task of trying to form Israel's next government, but an agreement providing a working parliamentary majority has not been secured. Coalition negotiations continued after members of the new parliament were sworn in on November 10.
A majority in the 120-seat Knesset requires 61 members. The 67 recommendations Eisenkot received during presidential consultations are not the same as a signed agreement to support a government under him. Disagreements over the role of Arab parties remain one obstacle.
Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud emerged as the largest party, but his bloc also fell short of a governing majority. The positions of religious and other political parties remain central to the negotiations.
Political assessments suggest that another election could become necessary if a workable coalition cannot be agreed. No new election is announced by this report, and Eisenkot should not be described as having already taken office as prime minister.
