Unity government talks

Analysis

Following the election results and a round of consultations by the President, it was officially announced that the mandate to form a government would be given to MK Gadi Eizenkot (רשת 13, 2026a; גלובס, 2026). Concurrent with this development, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued his first call since the election for a national unity government (Jerusalem Post — front page, 2026; בחדרי חרדים, 2026b). Netanyahu warned that a coalition dependent on elements he defines as Hamas supporters would pose an existential threat to Israel (Jerusalem Post — front page, 2026; בחדרי חרדים, 2026b).

Within the 'change bloc,' coalition efforts are marked by internal friction and conditions set by potential partners (בחדרי חרדים, 2026b). MK Yair Golan expressed a desire for partnership with the Haredi parties but clarified that his party would not issue them a 'blank check' (בחדרי חרדים, 2026b; רשת 13, 2026b). Simultaneously, reports indicate tension between Eizenkot and Avigdor Lieberman, while Aryeh Deri asserted that he would not break the right-wing bloc (בחדרי חרדים, 2026b). Alongside political discussions, legal experts and members of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee identified a legal hurdle that could impact coalition-building efforts (בחדרי חרדים, 2026b).

After receiving the mandate in a ceremony at the President's Residence, Eizenkot will have four weeks to attempt to form a new government (C14, 2026). The current political landscape is characterized by conflicting efforts: on one hand, the attempt to form a 'change government,' and on the other, Netanyahu’s pressure for unity in response to a coalition he characterizes as a danger to national security (Jerusalem Post — front page, 2026; C14, 2026).

What to watch

• The mandate granting ceremony at the President's Residence scheduled for this evening.
• Gadi Eizenkot's coalition negotiations over the four-week period allocated to him.
• The development of contacts between the 'change bloc' and the Haredi parties.

How it was covered

Reports regarding the mandate and calls for unity were published by most outlets on November 7, 2026. Reshet 13 and Globes reported the President's formal decision to task Eizenkot with the mandate (רשת 13, 2026a; גלובס, 2026). Behadrey Haredim and the Jerusalem Post focused on Netanyahu's call for a unity government (Jerusalem Post — front page, 2026; בחדרי חרדים, 2026b). Tensions within the opposition and the status of negotiations with the Haredi parties were covered extensively by Reshet 13, C14, and Srugim (בחדרי חרדים, 2026b). While all reports highlight difficulties in forming a government, outlets emphasize different angles, ranging from political criticism regarding 'spins' to Netanyahu's security warnings (Jerusalem Post — front page, 2026; C14, 2026).