Herzog informed Eisenkot of his decision on November 7, 2026, and invited him to the President’s Residence for a formal ceremony scheduled for Sunday, November 8, at 5 p.m.
The decision follows several days of discussions between the president and political leaders over who should receive the mandate to establish a governing coalition.
According to the President’s Office, parties representing 67 Knesset seats endorsed Eisenkot, while 46 lawmakers backed Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu. Another faction holding seven seats declined to recommend either candidate.
The recommendations gave Eisenkot the largest bloc of parliamentary support during the consultations, clearing the way for Herzog to designate him as the candidate responsible for assembling the next government.
Herzog announced Thursday, at the end of the formal consultations, that he intended to keep speaking with political figures over the weekend before deciding.
Those subsequent discussions included separate meetings with Netanyahu and Eisenkot, as well as conversations with other representatives from across Israel’s political system.
Under Basic Law: The Government, Eisenkot has 28 days from receiving the presidential mandate to negotiate coalition agreements and form a government.
If he cannot complete the process within that period, Herzog can approve an extension of up to 14 additional days, allowing a maximum of 42 days for the initial coalition-building effort.
The formal transfer of the mandate on Sunday will begin the statutory period for Eisenkot to secure the necessary parliamentary arrangements and form a government.
Herzog’s announcement designates Eisenkot as the candidate to lead the next government, but the appointment itself does not constitute coalition formation or his assumption of the premiership.
Source: Iwpost.com
