Israeli government formation consultations: United Torah Judaism abstains as Eisenkot leads with 56 recommendations

⏱️ Timeline

1. 5 Nov 2026, 09:31 United Torah Judaism announced during a round of consultations at the Israeli president's office that it would not recommend any candidate to form the government, despite pressure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Yedioth Ahronoth quoted party leader Goldknopf telling President Isaac Herzog: "We are not committed to any bloc."
2. 5 Nov 2026, 14:14 According to a Times of Israel report, Gadi Eisenkot's tally reached 56 recommendations against 46 for Netanyahu, after the Ra'am party announced that its eight members would recommend tasking Eisenkot. United Torah Judaism's abstention reflects a dispute over the law exempting yeshiva students from military service.
3. 5 Nov 2026, 15:48 The head of the Joint List, Ahmad Tibi, said in a statement to Al Jazeera that his list would recommend tasking Gadi Eisenkot, with the aim of bringing down the government of Benjamin Netanyahu and Itamar Ben-Gvir. The Joint List announced it would recommend that the Israeli president task Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government.
4. 5 Nov 2026, 16:33 Haaretz reported that the Joint List announced on Thursday it would present to Israeli President Isaac Herzog this evening its decision to nominate Gadi Eisenkot to form the government, saying the decision comes in continuation of the broad popular support it has enjoyed, in response to the popular demand to prevent Netanyahu and his government from returning to power, and in commitment to taking all possible steps to achieve this goal.
5. 5 Nov 2026, 16:54 Al Jazeera reported that the Israeli president met the Joint Arab List as part of the consultations aimed at determining the person tasked with forming the Israeli government.

📰 All coverage