{
  "id": 19013717,
  "title": "Eisenkot is trying to form government in Israel. Here are five ways it could go",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/eisenkot-is-trying-to-form-government-in-israel-here-are-five-ways-it",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T20:02:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-09/five-ways-israel-coalition-negotiations-could-go/107361790"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot has been invited to attempt to form a new government in Israel, following the president's consultations with representatives of each of the political parties that won seats in the recent election. The support behind Eisenkot was overwhelmingly pro-Netanyahu, with 67 seats in the 120-seat Knesset backing his candidacy, compared to 46 seats for incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu. However, the path to forming a coalition government is complex and could involve various scenarios.\n\nOne possible outcome is the formation of a minority government, comprising 48 seats from the anti-Netanyahu parties, who would then have to rely on the support of the two Arab-Israeli parties to pass legislation. This would require these parties to effectively green-light the government's agenda, despite their opposition to the Arab-Israeli vote. However, the leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, Avigdor Liberman, has expressed a desire for a majority government, suggesting he may be reluctant to cooperate with the Arab parties.\n\nAnother potential scenario involves the creation of a coalition of 61 seats, consisting of all the Jewish parties that oppose Netanyahu, along with the two ultra-Orthodox parties. This coalition would be short of the required majority but could potentially force changes in military service policies for the Haredi community, a contentious issue in recent years. However, this approach would be at odds with their pre-election policy platforms and could face opposition from Netanyahu.\n\nThe most favorable scenario for Eisenkot would be the formation of a government comprising 67 seats, consisting of all the anti-Netanyahu Jewish parties and the two Arab-Israeli parties. This majority would allow him to effectively remove Netanyahu from power while avoiding the controversy surrounding opposition to the Arab-Israeli parties. However, this scenario would require the parties to set aside their longstanding grievances and policy differences.\n\nUltimately, Gadi Eisenkot has 28 days to form a new coalition, with President Isaac Herzog having the option to extend this period by 14 days if he believes there is a chance for a deal. During this timeframe, the political landscape will continue to evolve, and the future of Israel's government remains uncertain.",
  "summary": "Gadi Eisenkot's path to power could involve some creative political arithmetic and manoeuvring. So, what are the options from here?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 10,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "The anti-Netanyahu: Can Gadi Eisenkot give the world a different Israel?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/the-anti-netanyahu-can-gadi-eisenkot-give-the-world-a-different-israel",
        "published": "2026-11-08T08:47:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "Israel president taps Gadi Eisenkot to form new government",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/israel-president-taps-gadi-eisenkot-to-form-new-government",
        "published": "2026-11-08T09:47:21.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "WATCH: Eisenkot receives mandate from Herzog to form new government at President's Residence",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/watch-eisenkot-receives-mandate-from-herzog-to-form-new-government-at",
        "published": "2026-11-08T15:02:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "El Pais",
        "title": "Eisenkot apela a un Gobierno de “emergencia nacional” ante la “necesidad urgente de un nuevo liderazgo” en Israel",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/eisenkot-apela-a-un-gobierno-de-emergencia-nacional-ante-la-necesidad",
        "published": "2026-11-08T16:13:32.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "PBS NewsHour",
        "title": "Israel's president formally gives Eisenkot the first chance to form the next government",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/israels-president-formally-gives-eisenkot-the-first-chance-to-form",
        "published": "2026-11-08T16:32:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Israel’s president tasks opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming next government",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/israels-president-tasks-opposition-leader-gadi-eisenkot-with-forming",
        "published": "2026-11-08T16:52:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Nikkei Asia",
        "title": "Netanyahu rival Eisenkot seeks 'wide' government, path to power uncertain",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/netanyahu-rival-eisenkot-seeks-wide-government-path-to-power-uncertain",
        "published": "2026-11-08T17:22:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn",
        "title": "Eisenkot says Israel in 'devastating diplomatic crisis' as he seeks to form govt",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/eisenkot-says-israel-in-devastating-diplomatic-crisis-as-he-seeks-to",
        "published": "2026-11-08T18:45:22.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "Eisenkot says any party involved in next government must commit to action on Hamas",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/eisenkot-says-any-party-involved-in-next-government-must-commit-to",
        "published": "2026-11-08T19:35:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}