Gadi Eisenkot Seeks Allies to Replace Netanyahu
Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot has begun negotiations to form a new government, reaching out to parties allied with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following Israel’s inconclusive October elections. President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Eisenkot with forming a coalition on Sunday, November 8, giving him 28 days to secure a parliamentary majority.
Gadi Eisenkot Seeks Netanyahu Allies for Coalition
Eisenkot, 66, leads the Yashar party and has called for a broad national emergency government to address Israel’s political and diplomatic challenges.
He invited Netanyahu’s Likud party and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s far-right party to join a coalition under his leadership.
Eisenkot accused Netanyahu’s government of deepening political divisions and damaging Israel’s international relationships, warning that the country faced a serious diplomatic crisis.
Israel Election Results Leave Parliament Divided
Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election produced no clear majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
Eisenkot’s opposition bloc secured 48 seats, while Netanyahu’s alliance won 53. A governing coalition requires at least 61 lawmakers.
Two Arab-majority parties endorsed Eisenkot during consultations with Herzog, potentially strengthening his chances of forming a government.
However, coalition partner Yisrael Beiteinu opposes cooperation with Arab-led parties, complicating negotiations.
Ultra-Orthodox parties represent another possible coalition option, although disagreements over military service exemptions remain a major obstacle.
Netanyahu Challenges Israel Election Outcome
Netanyahu has claimed that Arab parties unfairly influenced the election outcome, although he has not presented substantiated evidence of widespread electoral fraud.
Israel’s Central Elections Committee and President Herzog have maintained that the election results are valid.
Meanwhile, the Shin Bet security agency is investigating possible foreign interference.
Eisenkot has 28 days to secure parliamentary support, with a possible 14-day extension. Failure to establish a coalition could result in another election.
