Israel's opposition has made progress in its efforts to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the October 27 parliamentary election, which left no political bloc with a clear majority in the 120-member Knesset.
Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot received recommendations from 67 lawmakers during consultations with President Isaac Herzog, compared with 46 lawmakers who backed Netanyahu. Seven lawmakers did not recommend either candidate.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Gadi Eisenkot received recommendations from 67 of the 120 Knesset lawmakers.
Benjamin Netanyahu received recommendations from 46 lawmakers.
Seven lawmakers did not recommend either candidate.
Avigdor Liberman indicated openness to cooperation with ultra-Orthodox parties.
Eisenkot maintained his demand for compulsory service for all Israelis.
Netanyahu's bloc holds 53 seats, while the main Jewish-led opposition parties hold 48.
The opposition's efforts gained momentum after Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beytenu party, indicated willingness to consider a coalition arrangement involving ultra-Orthodox parties. His position could help overcome one of the obstacles to forming an alternative government, particularly given disagreements over military service requirements for ultra-Orthodox men.
Eisenkot, however, maintained his position on compulsory service for all Israelis. On November 6, he reiterated four principles for parties seeking to join a government under his leadership. These include recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, acceptance of the values of its Declaration of Independence, compulsory military, national or civilian service for all, and a commitment to dismantling Hamas's military and governing capabilities.
According to the election results, Netanyahu's right-wing and religious bloc secured 53 seats, while the four main Jewish-led opposition parties hold 48 seats. Arab-led parties won a combined 19 seats, bringing the potential parliamentary support for Eisenkot to 67.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The government formation process could determine Israel's political leadership and influence major domestic policy issues, including military recruitment, relations between religious and secular communities, national security and the country's political direction.
However, the recommendations do not guarantee the formation of a government. Several opposition parties remain reluctant to form a coalition with Arab-led factions, while differences over cooperation with ultra-Orthodox parties and military recruitment continue to complicate negotiations.
Eisenkot said his team had made significant progress in coalition discussions, although the final composition of a possible government remained uncertain.
President Isaac Herzog is expected to announce on November 8 which lawmaker will receive the mandate to form the next government. Under Israel's government formation process, the selected candidate will initially have 28 days to assemble a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.
Netanyahu will continue as caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed or another election takes place.
