Israeli Opposition Parties Back Gadi Eisenkot for Prime Minister to Replace Netanyahu
Israeli opposition leaders have united behind Gadi Eisenkot as their candidate for prime minister, seeking to establish a new administration and avoid fresh elections.
At a glance
- Opposition leaders agreed in Herzliya to propose Gadi Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog to receive the initial opportunity to build an administration.
- The alliance includes Yashar, B'Yachad, Yisrael Beytenu, and Democrats party leaders.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated he is open to a broad government but rejected any administration reliant on Arab-led parties.
Several opposition factions in Israel have united to support Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot as their choice for prime minister, aiming to form the country's next government. Leaders of the Change bloc reached the consensus during a gathering in Herzliya to leverage their majority in the 26th Knesset.
The alliance plans to suggest Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog to secure the initial mandate to build a new administration. In a joint statement shared on X, the opposition leaders described Benjamin Netanyahu's administration as the '7/10 government' and stated they intend to prevent the nation from facing another election.
Opposition accuses Likud of undermining results
The joint statement issued by the opposition criticised Netanyahu and his Likud party for running what they termed a dangerous delegitimisation campaign against the election results and the Central Elections Committee. The leaders affirmed their commitment to defending the democratic process.
Negotiating teams from the participating parties have been instructed to commence talks immediately to establish a policy framework for the proposed 38th government.
Netanyahu responds with openness to broad coalition
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he was open to considering a broad national government. However, he ruled out forming an administration that depends on Arab-led parties.
Writing on X, Netanyahu argued that the public opposes any government reliant on Ra'am and the Joint List, accusing those parties of supporting terrorism. He emphasised that his Likud party remains the largest following the election and that he has sought a broad coalition with natural political partners.
What the political maneuver means for Israel
The alignment of opposition factions behind Gadi Eisenkot marks a concerted effort to shift the balance of power in the Knesset. By attempting to secure the first mandate from President Isaac Herzog, the opposition seeks to bypass another electoral cycle and dismantle the current governing coalition. The success of these negotiations will depend on the ability of disparate opposition parties to finalise a cohesive policy framework.
What to watch: President Isaac Herzog's decision on which candidate receives the first mandate to form a government.
Reporting from: Hindustan Times. Spotted an error? Tell us.
- Gadi Eisenkot
- Benjamin Netanyahu
- Isaac Herzog
- Israel
- Knesset
- World
- Politics