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

What the report says

Israeli opposition parties are set to meet in Herzliya for the first time since last week’s tightly contested election, as they try to decide how to move forward after neither camp won a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. The bloc backing Gadi Eisenkot has already lined up support for him to serve as prime minister, while his rivals around Benjamin Netanyahu are pushing for a coalition under the current premier.

According to the report, Eisenkot’s change bloc took 48 seats, while Netanyahu’s right-wing alliance secured 53, including 27 for Likud. Arab-majority lists won a record 19 seats, giving them a possible role in shaping the next government. One of the main questions now is whether opposition leaders will seek cooperation with Arab parties, an issue that has split opinion inside the bloc.

Netanyahu said in a statement that voters had chosen Likud as the largest party and chosen him to lead the next government. He also called for a broad national coalition without Arab parties, arguing that any party joining should not support terrorism. He rejected cooperation with Arab-majority lists.

Under Israel’s system, President Isaac Herzog will begin consultations with party representatives on Wednesday and then decide whom to task with forming a government. That candidate will have a limited period to assemble a coalition, with the possibility of a second attempt and, if needed, new elections if no majority can be formed.