How the Law Regulates the Formation of Israel's Government After Elections

From the Results to the President's Decision

The Central Elections Committee may publish the official results of the elections for the 26th Knesset by November 4, 2026—eight days after the vote. President Isaac Herzog then consults with the Knesset factions and, no later than seven days from the date the results are published, assigns the task of forming a government to a member of the Knesset who has agreed to accept it. The president assesses the candidates' prospects and is not required to choose the leader of the largest party or the Knesset member who received the largest number of recommendations.

The First Candidate and the Second Candidate

The first candidate is given 28 days to conduct coalition negotiations. The president may extend this period by no more than 14 days, so the first attempt may last up to 42 days. If the attempt fails, the president may, within three days, assign the task to another Knesset member who has agreed to accept it, or inform the Speaker of the Knesset that he sees no possibility of forming a government. The second candidate is given 28 days with no extension.

The Knesset's Final Opportunity

If the second candidate fails, or if the president decides not to appoint one, Knesset members have 21 days. At least 61 Knesset members may ask the president in writing to assign the task of forming the government to a specific Knesset member who has also given written consent. The president must grant that member the mandate within two days, and the candidate is given 14 days with no possibility of an extension.

Vote of Confidence or New Elections

The Knesset member who has formed the government informs the president and the Speaker of the Knesset, after which the session to approve the government must be held within seven days. The designated prime minister presents the basic guidelines of the government's work, the composition of the cabinet, and the allocation of portfolios, and the Knesset votes on confidence in the government. If the signatures of 61 Knesset members are not collected within 21 days, or if the final candidate fails within 14 days, the Knesset is deemed dissolved and new elections are held within 90 days pursuant to Basic Law: The Government.

What Happens During the Transition Period

The 26th Knesset is scheduled to be sworn in on November 10, 2026, whether or not the coalition negotiations have concluded. Until the Knesset's standing committees are established, a temporary committee organizes its work. The outgoing government continues to serve until the new government takes office.

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