Key assessment
The central constraint is parliamentary arithmetic: neither Netanyahu’s alliance nor Eisenkot’s allied bloc has a majority on its own, so forming a government requires support beyond either bloc. The presence of a functioning caretaker government limits the immediate institutional disruption, but does not resolve who can command parliamentary support.
The two bills show that legislative activity can proceed alongside coalition talks. Their introduction does not establish that they will pass or that Eisenkot can assemble a governing majority; formal support commitments would be a more decisive indicator.
What happened
Israel’s new Knesset was sworn in on November 10 without a new government in place. Benjamin Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister while Eisenkot seeks to form a coalition after the October 27 election.
On November 10, Eisenkot and his allies introduced bills to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023 attacks and to limit prime-ministerial terms. The bills have been introduced, not enacted.
- Following the October 27, 2026 election, Netanyahu’s alliance held 53 of the Knesset’s 120 seats.
- Following the October 27, 2026 election, Eisenkot’s allied bloc held 48 of the Knesset’s 120 seats.
- Following the October 27, 2026 election, Israel’s Arab-led parties held 19 of the Knesset’s 120 seats.
- Eisenkot’s initial government-formation deadline was December 6, 2026, with a possible two-week extension to December 20.
- As caretaker prime minister following the November 10, 2026 swearing-in, Netanyahu retained authority over national security, including the military.
Why it matters
The absence of a new coalition leaves parties negotiating over who will govern, while Netanyahu continues to exercise caretaker authority over national security. Lawmakers must also decide whether to advance the proposed inquiry and term limits; their introduction alone does not change either arrangement.
What to watch
Key questions
- Can Eisenkot secure commitments from enough lawmakers to support a government?
- Do either of Eisenkot’s proposed bills advance through the Knesset?
Implications
Political Stability
The absence of a parliamentary majority for either main alliance keeps government formation dependent on negotiations beyond their existing blocs, while the caretaker government remains in place.