An AP News article reports that Israeli President Isaac Herzog gave opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief who ran as Netanyahu's main challenger, the first chance to form a governing coalition after the 27 October 2026 election left neither him nor Benjamin Netanyahu with a majority. Shortly before the announcement, Netanyahu called for a national unity government and warned against hastily swearing in a government with terrorist supporters, an apparent reference to the Arab-led parties, with whom Eisenkot has indicated willingness to partner under certain conditions.