Israel Election: Herzog to Meet Netanyahu and Eisenkot as Coalition 2026

Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, is set to meet Benjamin Netanyahu and his chief political rival, Gadi Eisenkot, on Thursday, with less than a week left before he decides which of the two men should first try to form a government. The high-stakes consultations come after a bitterly contested election last month that many observers view as one of the most consequential for Israel in decades.

No Clear Winner in Israel Election

The election ended with neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot, a former military general and chief of staff, securing a clear pathway to power. Netanyahu's coalition lost its majority, dropping from 68 to 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset.

The Change bloc of Zionist parties led by Eisenkot holds 48 seats, leaving parties representing Israeli Palestinians as potential kingmakers with a record 19 seats. The Joint List has 11 seats, while the more conservative, Islamist Ra'am has eight.

Arab Israeli Voters Transform Political Landscape

Turnout among Arab Israelis – Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, who constitute 20% of the population – more than doubled to about 80%, transforming the political landscape. Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza had no vote.

The leader of Israel's main Palestinian coalition has admitted to "disagreements with Eisenkot on many issues" but said on Thursday that Palestinian voters wanted change after a far-reaching campaign.

President's Role in Coalition Formation

In Israel's political system, the otherwise largely ceremonial president decides which candidate has the best initial chance of building a stable coalition to rule. Herzog's decision, expected within days, will set off a period of intense negotiation.

The president typically consults with party leaders before making his choice. The candidate he selects then has up to 42 days to assemble a governing coalition.

Key Takeaways from the Election

• Netanyahu's coalition lost its majority, falling from 68 to 53 seats in the Knesset.
• Eisenkot's Change bloc holds 48 seats, with Arab parties controlling a record 19 seats.
• Arab Israeli turnout surged to about 80%, more than doubling from previous elections.
• President Herzog will decide who gets the first chance to form a government.
• The Joint List and Ra'am could play a decisive role in coalition talks.

What the Numbers Mean for Coalition Talks

The seat distribution leaves both Netanyahu and Eisenkot short of the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. That reality has thrust Arab Israeli parties into an unprecedented position of influence.

The Joint List, a coalition of mostly Arab parties, and Ra'am, a more conservative Islamist party, together hold 19 seats. Their support could be crucial for either candidate to reach the threshold.

What to Watch Next

All eyes are on President Herzog's meetings with Netanyahu and Eisenkot on Thursday. The president is expected to announce his decision early next week, after which the chosen candidate will begin formal coalition negotiations. The background to this story is set out in Israel Election Live: Polls Open in Most Consequential Vote. A related thread runs through Israel Election: Netanyahu's Political Future Hangs in Balance. Earlier coverage in Israel Election: Can Netanyahu Pull Off Another Political Comeback shows how the argument developed.

The Arab Israeli parties' newfound leverage could reshape Israeli politics for years to come. Whether they will endorse a Zionist candidate for prime minister remains an open question. A closer look at the same subject appears in Israel Election Exit Polls: Netanyahu and Eisenkot Blocs Tied. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Israel Election: Netanyahu Survives as Divisions Deepen. The same theme surfaces in Israel Election: Hard Lesson for Nationalist Populists, which takes a different angle.

The international community is closely watching the process, given the election's potential impact on Israel's relations with the Palestinians and the broader Middle East. Context on how this played out before sits in Israel Election: Netanyahu's Fate Hinges on Arab Coalition Ban.

As the political drama unfolds, the world watches to see how Israel's leaders navigate this complex landscape. The outcome will not only shape Israel's future but also its relationships with allies and neighbors.

For those following the legal battles of other powerful figures, the Alan Jones trial offers a stark reminder of how decades of influence can be challenged in court.