The Storyup to 5 Nov
Israel's post-election coalition talks: Netanyahu and Eisenkot vie to form government
Israel's 2026 election produced no clear majority, leaving Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc at about 53 seats and Gadi Eisenkot's opposition bloc at about 48, with Arab-majority parties holding the balance of power. The election commission rejected Netanyahu's fraud claims, and President Isaac Herzog accepted the certified results on 4 November. He then began consultations with party leaders on who should get the mandate to form a government. Opposition chiefs met on 3 November and agreed to start coalition talks, backing Eisenkot and vowing an emergency government. Netanyahu's allies, including Shas, backed his return.
8 sources
- Israel has ‘historic’ opportunity to change direction, says leader of Arab coalition — The Guardian
- Netanyahu open to coalition talks — Breakingthenews.net
- No clear election majority, coalition talks, president's intervention: Where Israel stands | World News — Hindustan Times
- Eisenkot rejects Netanyahu coalition even if Trump intervenes — report — TRT World
- Analysis • IDF reluctant to launch joint U.S.-Israeli strike in Iran during coalition talks — Haaretz
- Democrats head Golan, Joint List leaders discuss cooperation to oust Benjamin Netanyahu — The Jerusalem Post
- As US Votes, Israel Braces for Coalition Talks; Trump, Vance Hint Again at Iran Deal — CBN.com
- Coalition talks: Golan meets Jabareen and Tibi as Liberman seeks to exclude Arab parties — وكالة سوا الإخبارية