Israel’s president taps opposition candidate Eisenkot to form government

By Giovanna Dell'orto The Associated Press Posted November 7, 2026 3:15 pm Updated November 7, 2026 7:25 pm 1 min read 0:36 Israel’s president taps Netanyahu’s challenger, Eisenkot, to form government WATCH: Israel’s president taps Netanyahu's challenger, Eisenkot, to form government Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Saturday night that he was giving opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot the first opportunity to form a governing coalition following elections on Oct. 27. Eisenkot, a former military chief, ran as the main challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading a bloc of parties seeking to oust Israel’s longest-serving premier.Neither Eisenkot nor Netanyahu won a clear majority in the vote. But in marathon discussions with the president this week, representatives from most of Israel’s main parties recommended Eisenkot be tasked with assembling a new government. Get breaking National news Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story. The announcement, which had been expected on Sunday, came shortly after Netanyahu called for a “national unity government” in a video statement and warned against “hastily swearing in a ...