Netanyahu and Eisenkot push for new government after election deadlock

As of November 10, 2026, Israel's newly elected parliament convened without a clear majority for any single political faction, leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in caretaker status while his rival Gadi Eisenkot attempts to form a new government. The Joint List, an Arab coalition that holds key votes due to recent electoral gains, offered support to an opposition-led government but refused to join the cabinet itself. This move complicates efforts by both sides to secure enough backing from smaller parties like ultra-Orthodox groups or Israeli-Arabs, who are now pivotal in forming a stable coalition. The challenge is compounded by Netanyahu's claim that the election was "stolen," despite official assurances that results stand regardless of any foreign interference claims. With no clear path forward and multiple potential alliances under consideration, Israel faces an uncertain period ahead as political leaders struggle to form a viable government post-election.