Netanyahu rival tasked with forming next Israeli government. But the path remains complicated
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Israeli opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot has been tasked with forming a new coalition government, threatening Benjamin Netanyahu's long tenure in power.

Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, looks on following the exit poll at his party headquarters, on the evening of Israel's national election, in Tel Aviv, Israel October 28, 2026.
Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, looks on following the exit poll at his party headquarters, on the evening of Israel's national election, in Tel Aviv, Israel October 28, 2026.

In a setback to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his main rival has been tasked with forming the next Israeli government, placing him one step closer to ousting Israel’s longest-serving leader, even as the path remains complicated.

Gadi Eisenkot, a retired military chief who led the centrist Yashar party in the October 27 election, will have up to six weeks to try and assemble a coalition to replace Netanyahu.