Eisenkot promises ‘creative, unconventional political moves’ to form emergency gov’t

“I stand here with a profound sense of duty and an understanding of the responsibility and the weight resting on my shoulders,” Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot declared upon receiving the mandate to form a government from Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday.

“With the mandate granted to me here today, I will lead the effort to establish a national emergency government. Creative and unconventional political moves will be required,” he added, while speaking at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. Eisenkot now has 28 days, with a 14-day extension if necessary, to establish a new government.

“Standing with me and before my eyes are all the citizens of Israel, including the fallen and the wounded – the civilians and the soldiers, those who paid the heaviest price out of love for the people and the homeland,” said Eisenkot, whose son was killed while serving in the IDF during the Gaza war.

Despite Eisenkot’s promises, the path toward a coalition is far from certain as his bloc currently has only 48 of the mandatory 61 seats. In recent days, discussions have increasingly focused on the possibility of forming a minority government reliant on outside support from Arab and/or ultra-Orthodox parties

הענקת המנדט להרכבת הממשלה לגדי איזנקוט. בהצלחה https://t.co/Zqeb64HZTG

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) November 8, 2026

Eisenkot characterized the current situation as a national emergency that requires “creative” solutions, potentially involving breaking pre-election promises, such as pledges not to cooperate with ultra-Orthodox parties.

“We are at one of the most vulnerable moments that Israeli democracy has ever known. The campaign to delegitimize democracy and the growing distrust of state institutions, fueled every day, have brought us to an extremely dangerous point. If we continue in the current situation, we risk deteriorating into dark places,” Eisenkot said.

He called on all parties to join his coalition, provided they agree to the four conditions he laid out several weeks ago: recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state; acceptance of the values enshrined in the Declaration of Independence; universal service through military, national or civilian service; and recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization.

“I am convinced that it is both possible and right to form a new government this way, quickly, with a large majority in the Knesset,” Eisenkot said.

Regarding a potential unity government, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu advocated for in a statement on Saturday, Eisenkot said that “unity is not a political bargaining chip or an empty trick, but a supreme value that expresses genuine and pure partnership.”

He added, “I cannot imagine any reason why they would not come and support a government led by me and the principles I have presented,” while noting that the Likud and Religious Zionism party delegations told the president that they do seek unity.

According to Israeli media reports, Eisenkot met with Yisrael Beitenu party chief Avigdor Liberman on Sunday and is slated to meet with "Together" (B'Yachad) party chairman Naftali Bennett on Monday.

Over the weekend, Liberman said he was open to the possibility of accepting a less stringent military draft law in exchange for a coalition with the ultra-Orthodox parties. He continued to rule out receiving any support from the Arab parties.

On Sunday, Liberman reiterated that “being willing to compromise does not mean giving up on values and principles” while responding to criticism of his suggestion.

Those who criticized a potential cooperation with the ultra-Orthodox parties “are among the same people who prefer to establish a government that relies on Ra’am and the Joint List – parties whose MKs include some who publicly identify with Hamas, describe it as a charity organization, and accuse the State of Israel of genocide and crimes against humanity,” he said.

“Given the reality we face, in order to prevent another election and put an end to the Netanyahu era, there is no avoiding difficult decisions and making choices on issues where flexibility is possible and understandings can be reached,” Liberman added.

During the ceremony on Sunday, President Herzog said, “The challenges facing the State of Israel are enormous.”

“Iran is not pausing for even a moment in its plots and threats. We must work on building a diplomatic horizon for the region and for the day after the war. We must advance the Gaza 20-point plan of the Board of Peace and President Trump, and negotiations with Lebanon and our other neighbors.”

“The State of Israel needs a stable government that can address these challenges over time,” Herzog stressed, adding, “Mr. Gadi Eisenkot, I expect you to do everything in your power to form a government that will serve the entire people, those who supported it and those who did not, and that will be a responsible and decent address for all sectors, religions, ways of life, and worldviews.”