Israeli elections on October 27, 2026, left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud-led bloc with 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, short of a majority, while Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition bloc secured 48 and Arab parties gained a record 19. President Isaac Herzog assigned Eisenkot the mandate to form a government on November 8, giving him 28 days plus a possible 14-day extension through late December. Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister with executive authority during negotiations. The new Knesset, sworn in November 10, has introduced legislation on an October 7 inquiry and prime ministerial term limits. If Eisenkot fails, the mandate could pass to Netanyahu or trigger fresh elections in early 2027; coalition talks hinge on whether opposition parties accept Arab support or pursue unity arrangements.