📰 2 sources 7 articles · 2 Nov 2026, 13:16 → 10 days ago

Israeli government formation talks: Liberman backs tasking Eisenkot

The story covers the positions of Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Liberman in the consultations to form Israel's next government: he announced he would not join a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu and rejected forming a minority government, then said he would recommend tasking Gadi Eisenkot with forming the government and recommend Yair Lapid for Knesset speaker. The next day, "change camp" leaders said all parties would recommend to President Isaac Herzog that Eisenkot be given the first mandate.

📍 Where things stand: Consultations remain at the recommendation stage, with "change camp" parties expected to formalize their recommendation of Eisenkot to President Herzog, while no final agreement has been announced on the government's composition or portfolio distribution.

⏱️ Timeline

2 Nov 2026, 13:16 The Hebrew newspaper Maariv reported that Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Liberman will not take part in a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu and will not support any government that relies on Arab parties, without further details on the circumstances of this position.
2 Nov 2026, 14:08 The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that Liberman announced he would recommend Gadi Eisenkot to form the government and would recommend Yair Lapid for the Knesset speakership.
2 Nov 2026, 14:10 According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, Liberman announced his rejection of participating in a government headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, and also rejected forming a minority government.
2 Nov 2026, 15:32 Israel's Channel 12 quoted Liberman as opposing the formation of a minority government headed by Gadi Eisenkot and rejecting being a partner in a unity government combining Benjamin Netanyahu and Eisenkot. Liberman said that Sigalovich had become to him like Ofer Kasif after joining the United List.
2 Nov 2026, 15:55 The Hebrew website Hadashot Bazman reported that the Democrats party decided to nominate Eisenkot to form the government, a step related to the Israeli political arrangements for forming the government.
2 Nov 2026, 18:49 Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Liberman announced his support for tasking former chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel's next government. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority Kan quoted him as saying he would recommend tasking Eisenkot, a position reflecting his alignment behind him at the mandate stage without necessarily meaning a final agreement on the government's composition, portfolio distribution or program.
3 Nov 2026, 16:06 "Change camp" leaders said all parties would recommend to Israeli President Isaac Herzog that Gadi Eisenkot be given the first mandate to form the government.