Eisenkot expected to secure presidential mandate as Herzog rounds out consultation meetings

NOVEMBER 5, 2026 18:05Updated: NOVEMBER 5, 2026 18:17Representatives of Naftali Bennett's B'Yachad party arrived at the President's Residence on Thursday as consultations over who should be tasked with forming Israel's next government continued.The party backed Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot, as Bennett and opposition leaders Yair Golan (Democrats) and Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu) confirmed earlier this week.After Herzog met with every party except the largest two, Eisenkot had secured the support of Yisrael Beytenu, the Democrats, Ra'am, the Joint List, and B'Yachad. Conversely, Netanyahu had received backing from Religious Zionist Party-Zehut, Shas, and Otzma Yehudit.United Torah Judaism declined to recommend a candidate.The consultations are part of the process through which Herzog will determine which Knesset member has the best chance of assembling a governing coalition and securing the support of at least 61 lawmakers.Under Basic Law: The Government, the candidate selected by Herzog will have 28 days to form a government, and the president may grant an extension of up to 14 additional days if necessary.This is a developing story.Follow us on Google