Herzog to Name Candidate to Form Israel's Next Government on Sunday

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he will name a candidate to form Israel's next government on Sunday.

The announcement follows the country's first general election since October 7, which was held on October 27, 2026. Under Israel's system, the president does not govern but chooses who is asked to try to assemble a majority in the Knesset, the national parliament.

The Yashar party recommended its leader, Gadi Eisenkot, to form the next government during consultations with Herzog. Haaretz reported the recommendation.

Eisenkot is expected to receive the mandate, the formal go-ahead to try to build a government, from Herzog. The Hill and the Jerusalem Post reported that Eisenkot secured a 67-seat majority in the contest to form the government, with Benjamin Netanyahu the other main figure in the race.

The timetable for the process is set. According to Reuters, a candidate nominated by the president has 28 days to form a government, and that period can be extended by 14 days.