Israel is entering a new political phase. According to reports published on November 8, 2026, Eisenkot will formally receive the mandate to form a government in a ceremony to be held at the presidential residence. From that moment, he will have 28 days to form a coalition, with the possibility that President Isaac Herzog may grant him an extension of up to 14 days if necessary.
- How the mandate to form a government works
- The immediate challenges of the negotiation
- Investigations and complaints in the background
- The Gaza factor and international pressure
- Internal tension: incidents and social climate
- What to watch for in the coming weeks
- Why does it matter outside of Israel?
- Frequently Asked Questions
The assignment comes at a delicate time: the war in Gaza continues to dominate the agenda, allegations of foreign funding of political parties are being investigated, and international pressure is mounting as winter approaches. We review how the system works, what steps come next, and what signs to watch for.
How the mandate to form a government works
In the Israeli parliamentary system, after the elections, the president consults with the parties that won seats and asks whom they recommend as prime minister. The president then gives the mandate to the candidate with the best chance of securing a majority of 61 votes in the Knesset, which has 120 seats. This candidate does not necessarily have to be the leader of the party that received the most votes.
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The candidate has 28 days to present a coalition. If they fail to do so, the president can extend this period by up to 14 days, as the aforementioned information indicates. If the deadline expires without an agreement, the president can entrust the task to another legislator, and in the worst-case scenario, a new election is called.
This system fosters intense negotiations. Smaller parties wield considerable power because their support can be decisive in reaching the required 61 seats. Each party sets conditions, ranging from ministerial portfolios to commitments on specific legislation, and coalition agreements are typically signed as detailed documents.
The immediate challenges of the negotiation
The first challenge is arithmetic: to garner the necessary support without the demands of some partners making it impossible for others to support them. Israeli coalitions typically bring together parties with very different views on religious, security, and economic policy, and the balance is fragile.
Lee también: Cómo funciona un sistema democrático: poderes, elecciones y participación ciudadana
The second challenge is time. The 28 days fly by, and every announcement, leak, or public disagreement can alter the dynamics. Candidates typically negotiate in parallel with several parties and avoid formal commitments until the last minute to maintain room for maneuver.
The third challenge is legitimacy in the eyes of the electorate. A government formed after complex concessions must explain to its voters why it has made deals with whom. To understand how laws and budgets are subsequently processed in a fragmented Parliament, you can consult our explanation of the legislative process.
Investigations and complaints in the background
Today’s news includes a piece of information relevant to the political climate: the Attorney General maintained that investigations into possible electoral fraud would not influence, even remotely, the outcome of the elections. At the same time, the Shin Bet internal security service and other agencies are investigating allegations that one or more foreign states may have funneled money to the Joint List of Arab parties through disguised donations.
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Police are also investigating separate allegations of vote-buying in the Negev. These are, for now, open investigations, not legal conclusions, and those involved are entitled to the presumption of innocence. The media should present this information as allegations under investigation until confirmed by a competent authority.
The existence of these legal challenges does not alter the constitutional timetable. The president hands over the presidency, the candidate negotiates, and, if they secure the necessary 61 votes, presents their government to the Knesset for a vote of confidence. The courts will proceed at their own pace in parallel.
The Gaza factor and international pressure
The foreign policy agenda is taking precedence over domestic negotiations. A report mentioned that US President Donald Trump pressured acting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to move forward with the Gaza plan after the elections. This is a report, not an official statement, so it should be treated with caution.
Israel, for its part, claims that the UK is trying to bring several countries together to sign a declaration on easing restrictions on Gaza in anticipation of winter. The humanitarian situation in the enclave and the flow of aid are issues that any coalition will have to address from day one.
For the new government, balancing security demands, pressure from allies, and the demands of its coalition partners will be one of its most difficult challenges. Many decisions regarding Gaza will depend on who occupies the Defense and Foreign Affairs portfolios, which is why these ministries are often at the heart of negotiations.
Internal tension: incidents and social climate
On the same day, incidents occurred that reflected the social tension: police arrested eleven people after a mass brawl in Lod, following a far-right march for sovereignty in an Arab neighborhood. Authorities also denied that a stabbing had taken place, refuting reports circulating on social media.
These episodes illustrate how politics and coexistence are intertwined. Coalition governments must manage these tensions, and the type of partners they choose will influence the tone in which they are addressed. Observers are paying close attention to the Homeland Security and Justice portfolios, given their direct impact on daily life.
As always with breaking news, caution with rumors is essential. Checking the police report and at least two reliable sources prevents the spread of false information.
What to watch for in the coming weeks
Four signs should be monitored: the candidate’s meetings with party leaders, announcements of formal support for his candidacy, the first leaks regarding cabinet appointments, and the president’s statements on the use of the extension. Any one of these could accelerate or slow down the process.
The reaction of the markets and international partners will also be key. A stable coalition facilitates budget planning and foreign policy; a fragile coalition, on the other hand, fuels uncertainty. In any case, the deadlines are defined by law, and that provides a clear reference point for following developments.
Why does it matter outside of Israel?
What happens in Jerusalem resonates far beyond its borders. A stable government can negotiate with greater leeway regarding Gaza, relations with the United States, and normalization with neighboring countries. A weak government, or one in a state of perpetual crisis, on the other hand, tends to avoid making fundamental decisions and react only to events.
For the Spanish-speaking reader, following this story requires distinguishing between the institutional process, which is predictable, and the political content, which depends on agreements. Paying attention to legal deadlines, official statements, and verified sources allows for a clear perspective without being swayed by the noise of social media.
For further information: How a law is passed · The separation of powers · How to read an official statement .
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time does Eisenkot have to form a government?
28 days from the date he receives the mandate, with a possible extension of up to 14 days granted by President Herzog.
How many votes are needed in the Knesset?
A majority of 61 of the 120 seats is needed to obtain the vote of confidence.
What happens if it fails to form a coalition?
The president can assign the task to another legislator or, ultimately, new elections are called.
Source consulted: The Times of Israel: liveblog of November 8, 2026 .
