Israeli opposition unites behind Eisenkot as Netanyahu says voters chose him for PM

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Israeli Opposition Unites Behind Eisenkot as Netanyahu Claims Mandate

   Israeli opposition leaders have united behind Gadi Eisenkot to form a new government following a closely contested election. The opposition chiefs held their first post-election meeting to launch coalition talks, vowing to swiftly oust incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu has called for a broad coalition government under his own leadership, insisting that voters chose him for prime minister. Meanwhile, the bloc remains divided over potential alliances, including whether to partner with Arab-led parties, while Haredi and ultra-Orthodox political alignments remain fluid.

   Why it matters

   The political maneuvering follows a closely contested election where neither block secured an immediate path to a majority, leaving the coalition arithmetic deeply complicated. Gadi Eisenkot has laid out plans to dismantle laws passed by the outgoing administration while attempting to build a governing majority. Israel's largest Arab party grouping has offered its backing to Eisenkot, potentially bolstering his bid after Arab-majority lists won a record share.

   What is confirmed

   • Israeli opposition leaders met following a closely contested election to back Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister.
   • Incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a broad coalition government under his leadership, asserting that voters chose him.
   • Israel's largest Arab party grouping announced it would recommend Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government.

   Still unconfirmed

   • United Torah Judaism is no longer part of the pro-Netanyahu bloc based on Eisenkot's implications.

   What to watch next

   • Formal recommendations given to the president regarding who will form the next government
   • Decisions by Haredi parties on whether to join Eisenkot's coalition
   • Further developments in coalition negotiations between Eisenkot's bloc and Arab-led parties
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. flipboard.com — Beloved singer’s wife killed after welcoming robbery suspects with lemonade
   2. cashwalklabs.io — GM will switch to Nasdaq from the NYSE on Nov. 17
   3. The Jerusalem Post — Haredi parties hold key to Eisenkot's coalition as Avigdor Liberman sets terms
   4. The Jerusalem Post — Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Liberman, Golan hold first post-election meeting
   5. France 24 — Israeli opposition unites behind Eisenkot as Netanyahu says voters chose him for PM
   6. The Times of Israel — At meeting, opposition chiefs agree to launch coalition talks, but path remains unclear
   7. Ynetnews — United against Netanyahu, divided over allies: Eisenkot's bloc holds first post-election meeting
   8. Haaretz — Israeli Opposition Leaders Vow to 'Swiftly' Oust Netanyahu, Back Eisenkot for PM
   9. South China Morning Post — In Israel, Arab lawmakers key to unseating Netanyahu amid divided opposition
   10. Al Jazeera — Israel’s opposition leaders back Eisenkot to oust Netanyahu
   11. The Times of Israel — Opposition chiefs meet, agree to launch coalition talks, but path remains unclear
   12. Haaretz — Opinion | A step-by-step plan for a Jewish-Arab coalition
   confidence 95%