Israel election: When will government be formed, who will lead it?

According to Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera, the recent Israeli parliamentary elections have resulted in a political stalemate. Neither the coalition led by current caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which secured 53 seats, nor the opposing bloc of Jewish parties, which won 48 seats, achieved the 61-seat majority required to govern the 120-member Knesset. Arab-led parties hold the remaining 19 seats, making their potential alignment a key factor in future negotiations.

President Isaac Herzog is expected to formally task a candidate with coalition-building by November 11, following the official certification of results and the swearing-in of the new parliament. While Herzog has advocated for creative solutions and a potential national unity government to avoid further elections, the primary contenders for the mandate remain Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot. Reports suggest that some Arab-led parties may be open to supporting Eisenkot to facilitate the removal of the current prime minister from office.

If a candidate is unable to assemble a stable government within the allotted 42 days, the process may involve additional rounds of negotiations led by other lawmakers or the formation of a minority government. Failure to reach a consensus could result in the dissolution of the Knesset and a requirement for the country to hold another round of elections within 90 days. In the meantime, Netanyahu remains in his role as caretaker prime minister.

Source: Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera — https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/11/1/israel-election-when-will-government-be-formed-who-will-lead-it?traffic_source=rss