Israel Opposition Backs Gadi Eisenkot as Leaders Plan Next Move

Israel Opposition : Israel’s opposition groups are preparing for discussions on Tuesday to rally support for Gadi Eisenkot to become the country’s next Prime Minister. The discussion comes after a tightly contested election left parliament with no clear majority for either Eisenkot’s faction or the camp of incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On Tuesday morning, the leaders of the opposition will assemble in Herzliya. Their key goal will be to get an agreement on how to proceed after the parties in the so-called change bloc officially supported Eisenkot’s quest to lead the next administration.

However, winning enough support in parliament remains a challenge. Differences over possible coalition partners, particularly the role of Arab-majority parties, could make it difficult for the opposition to secure the numbers needed to form a government.

Israel Opposition Faces Challenge in Building Majority

The election results have divided Israel’s 120-seat Knesset into many political factions. Eisenkot’s group got 48 seats, while Netanyahu’s faction took 53. Arab-majority parties won the remaining 19 seats, putting them in a potentially advantageous position for coalition discussions.

Eisenkot’s Yashar party stated that Tuesday’s meeting will focus on organising the opposition’s next measures. Although the parties have chosen him as their preferred prime ministerial candidate, they have yet to achieve an agreement on how to get adequate parliamentary support.

The issue of collaborating with Arab parties has become a key subject of contention. Yair Golan, the leader of the left-leaning Democrats party, has advocated for collaboration with Arab political parties. These parties have indicated that they may support Eisenkot.

However, Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party, has strenuously opposed such an arrangement. This disparity in position has shown fissures among the opposing camp.

Eisenkot’s party appears to be moving away from the concept of depending on Arab parties, while it has not explicitly rejected the prospect. Meanwhile, the fate of Naftali Bennett’s centre-right Together party is questionable.

These differences could affect the opposition’s ability to present a united approach during the government formation process. The Tuesday meeting is expected to address how the parties can coordinate their efforts despite their different positions.

Israel Opposition Awaits Herzog’s Government Decision

The next critical stage will begin on Wednesday, when President Isaac Herzog has meetings with political party officials. Under Israel’s system, the president selects the MP who looks to have the most support in parliament, taking into account the strength of the parties sponsoring that candidate.

According to media sources, Netanyahu is likely to get proposals from his far-right allies and the ultra-Orthodox Shas party. However, another ultra-Orthodox party’s position has still to be determined.

Herzog has until November 11 to pick who he would choose to create the next cabinet. Once selected, the candidate will have 28 days to form a parliamentary alliance. If necessary, the president may extend the deadline by 14 days.

If the first candidate is unable to complete the assignment, Herzog may designate another lawmaker, who will likewise have 28 days to form a cabinet.

If the second effort does not succeed, there is another alternative. At least 61 members of Parliament may request that the president designate a third candidate. If Herzog does not receive such a request within 14 days, parliament would be dissolved and the country will have another election.

The upcoming discussions will be critical for both opposition leaders and Netanyahu’s supporters. Given that neither faction has a clear majority, the support of other parliamentary groups will be critical in determining who forms Israel’s next government.