Israel’s opposition leaders back Eisenkot to oust Netanyahu

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Israel Opposition Backs Eisenkot to Form Government

   Israeli opposition leaders have united behind former military chief Gadi Eisenkot to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Opposition chiefs agreed to recommend Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog during consultations. Eisenkot is positioned to secure 67 recommendations in the 120-seat Knesset after the Arab Joint List announced its support, though Eisenkot's allies have rejected direct backing from Arab parties. While opposition leaders have agreed to launch coalition talks, the path forward remains unclear as political hurdles and internal divisions persist over potential alliances.

   Why it matters

   The race to build a government follows a divided election outcome that left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu contending that voters chose him for the post. President Isaac Herzog began formal consultations on Wednesday to determine who receives the first mandate to form a coalition. The shifting balance of power depends heavily on ultra-Orthodox parties and the positioning of Arab lawmakers.

   What is confirmed

   • Israeli opposition leaders agreed to back Gadi Eisenkot's bid to form a coalition to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
   • President Isaac Herzog began consultations on Wednesday.
   • Arab parties hold 19 seats in the Knesset.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Eisenkot is set to secure 67 recommendations once the Arab Joint List formally submits its decision to the president.
   • Ultra-Orthodox parties hold the key to Eisenkot's coalition as Avigdor Liberman sets terms.

   What to watch next

   • President Isaac Herzog's formal allocation of the mandate to form a government.
   • Formal submission of recommendations by the Arab Joint List.
   • Developments in coalition talks between Eisenkot's allies and ultra-Orthodox parties.
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. The Jerusalem Post — Haredi parties hold key to Eisenkot's coalition as Avigdor Liberman sets terms
   2. France 24 — Israeli opposition unites behind Eisenkot as Netanyahu says voters chose him for PM
   3. Al Jazeera — Israel’s opposition leaders back Eisenkot to oust Netanyahu
   4. The Times of Israel — Opposition chiefs meet, agree to launch coalition talks, but path remains unclear
   5. Haaretz — Opinion | A step-by-step plan for a Jewish-Arab coalition
   6. The Jerusalem Post — Israel Election 2026 live updates: Eisenkot, Netanyahu race to build government
   7. www.yahoo.com — Majority of Israeli lawmakers back Eisenkot to form government
   8. en.protothema.gr — Israel: Arab Parties back Anti-Netanyahu government, but Eisenkot’s allies reject their support – The possible scenarios and the role of ultra-orthodox parties
   9. www.usmuslims.com — Israel’s Eisenkot set to secure 67 recommendations after Arab Joint List announces support
   10. www.nationalheraldindia.com — Arab parties offer support to oust Netanyahu, but political hurdles remain
   11. www.yahoo.com — Israel’s opposition leaders back Eisenkot to oust Netanyahu
   12. theinsightinternational.com — Israel's opposition leaders agree to back Eisenkot for prime ...
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