Herzog Asks Eisenkot to Form Israeli Government as Netanyahu Warns of Civil War Risk

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff and leader of the Yashar party, with forming a government to succeed the right-wing coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot's opposition bloc edged out Netanyahu's ruling coalition in Israel's legislative elections in October 2026.

The new Knesset, Israel's 120-seat parliament, is scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday, according to Al Jazeera. Netanyahu, who was still Israel's prime minister as of November 11, has been fighting to remain in a position of influence as the opposition moves toward power.

In a video posted on social media, Netanyahu warned that Israel faced a genuine risk of civil war if a government were established with the support of Arab parties. He also accused Arab parties of wanting to eliminate the State of Israel. He called for a unified government under his own leadership, including the ultra-Orthodox parties and his far-right allies, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism has not endorsed Netanyahu to form a government, and it was reported to be in talks with Eisenkot. Reports cited by Al Jazeera said Eisenkot could command 67 of the 120 seats with the support of United Torah Judaism.

Herzog's tasking means Eisenkot is now the figure asked to try to assemble that support, while Netanyahu's camp has pressed its case for keeping power.