On 8 November, Herzog gave Eisenkot the first mandate after parties with 67 seats recommended him. These recommendations do not amount to an agreed coalition.
Eisenkot seeks a national emergency government based on four principles: a Jewish and democratic Israel, the Declaration of Independence, service for all, and dismantling Hamas's military and governing power.
By 10 November, his partners were prioritizing talks with the Haredi parties. Lieberman now supports pursuing that option, while opposing a government dependent on Arab parties. Coalition partners and a conscription agreement remain unsettled.
On 10 November, Eisenkot, Bennett, Lapid, Golan and Lieberman agreed to nominate Matan Kahana for Knesset speaker. This agreement concerns parliamentary posts; it does not establish a government.
Netanyahu received recommendations from parties with 46 seats. United Torah Judaism, whose seven seats are included in the 53-seat election bloc shown here, recommended no candidate.
On 9 November, Netanyahu called for a broad unity government under his leadership, including his existing partners and the Haredi parties. No new government has been agreed.
Eisenkot holds the mandate, but the next prime minister is not yet decided. A government must win the Knesset's confidence. The election blocs shown here have 48 and 53 seats; neither is an agreed coalition.
When does the new government take office?
When it presents itself to the Knesset and the Knesset expresses confidence in it; its ministers take office from that moment. Until then the outgoing government continues in office.
Who governs until then?
The outgoing government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, continues in office until the new government is formed.
Who decides who forms the next government?
The President. Within seven days of the official results, after consulting the lists elected to the Knesset, the President gives the task to one member who agrees to take it on.