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Herzog to choose Israel government-forming lawmaker after election

By Drooid · Oct 28, 2026, 10:37 UTC · How we work

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Summary

President Isaac Herzog will choose the lawmaker to form Israel’s government after the election.
Herzog said U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Benjamin Netanyahu will not affect his decision.
He will consult party leaders and may select the lawmaker receiving the most MK recommendations.
If the first appointee fails, Herzog can name a second lawmaker within 28 days, plus a 14-day extension.

History

In November 1996, President Ezer Weizman tasked Benjamin Netanyahu with forming Israel’s parliamentary government after Likud’s narrow victory in the 120-seat Knesset. Weizman set a 30-day deadline, during which Netanyahu secured 30 of the 120 Knesset seats for his coalition, surpassing Labor’s 34. Similarly, President Isaac Herzog now must appoint a lawmaker to build a coalition, consulting party leaders and weighing Donald Trump’s endorsement of Netanyahu. The 1996 precedent shows early presidential appointments can steer policy, affecting regional stability, domestic reforms, and future coalition negotiations.

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Historical Context

In November 1996, President Ezer Weizman tasked Benjamin Netanyahu with forming Israel’s parliamentary government after Likud’s narrow victory in the 120-seat Knesset. Weizman set a 30-day deadline, during which Netanyahu secured 30 of the 120 Knesset seats for his coalition, surpassing Labor’s 34. Similarly, President Isaac Herzog now must appoint a lawmaker to build a coalition, consulting party leaders and weighing Donald Trump’s endorsement of Netanyahu. The 1996 precedent shows early presidential appointments can steer policy, affecting regional stability, domestic reforms, and future coalition negotiations.

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