In the wake of Israel’s recent elections, a decisive shift is emerging as opposition leaders rally around former military chief Gadi Eisenkot to forge a new government. This coalition aims to quickly replace the current administration, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, amid growing calls for unity and urgent reform within the Knesset. As President Isaac Herzog prepares to facilitate consultations, the delicate balance of power, particularly concerning the inclusion of Arab-led parties, poses both challenges and opportunities for Israel’s political landscape.
Israel’s opposition parties are coalescing around former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, marking a significant turning point in the nation’s political dynamics post-election. In a meeting held in Herzliya, north of Tel Aviv, five key party heads pledged to expedite the formation of a new government aimed at removing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power. This gathering on Tuesday was the first joint effort by the opposition bloc since the October 27 elections resulted in a stalemate, with neither bloc securing a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
The coalition’s agreement comes just a day before President Isaac Herzog initiates consultations with various parties to determine who should be tasked with forming the next government. However, the opposition bloc is experiencing internal divisions on the potential partnership with Arab-led parties, whose support may be pivotal in securing a workable majority.
In a unified statement, the leaders expressed their commitment to endorsing Eisenkot, the head of the Yashar party, to Herzog, while also outlining plans for negotiating policy guidelines and coalition agreements. The statement emphasized that urgency is paramount, as they seek to dismantle what they refer to as the “October 7 government” in favor of a ‘national emergency government.’
Eisenkot’s coalition includes prominent figures such as former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and leaders from Yisrael Beytenu and the Democrats, who collectively underscored key principles for the new government: among them is the recognition of Israel as a Jewish state and the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization. These criteria may exclude certain Arab-led parties from participation, sparking ongoing debates amongst the opposition.
As the political calculus continues to unfold, Arab-led parties hold a crucial role in swaying the balance of power. The election outcomes showed that Netanyahu’s bloc secured 53 seats compared to the opposition’s 48, while Arab-led parties collectively won 19. To achieve a majority, a coalition needs at least 61 seats. Yousef Jabareen, head of the largest Arab-led party, stated that the opposition must acknowledge the political landscape and collaborate to remove Netanyahu.
Yair Golan stands out as an opposition leader who advocates for an alliance with Arab parties, labeling any exclusion as discriminatory. He has expressed concern over the high levels of crime in Palestinian communities, emphasizing the importance of addressing these challenges. Meanwhile, Liberman, another opposition leader, has voiced reluctance about collaborating with Arab parties, although he shares the goal of preventing another election.
Arab citizens of Israel, descendants of Palestinians who remained in the region post-1948, constitute approximately 20% of the population yet face ongoing political marginalization. Recent tensions have been exacerbated, following violent incidents and arrests of political figures criticizing government actions. Amidst this backdrop, the aspirations of these communities remain an essential consideration as leaders move to forge a new political alliance.
In his response to the political climate, Netanyahu has proposed establishing a “broad national government” under his leadership, asserting that his Likud party, holding 27 seats, remains the largest. However, he has ruled out any cooperation with Arab-majority lists, alleging their support for terrorism—a stance that has garnered considerable backlash. Furthermore, Netanyahu is currently embroiled in corruption trials and faces scrutiny from the International Criminal Court regarding allegations of war crimes.
With Herzog’s consultations set for Wednesday and Thursday, Eisenkot is positioned to gain momentum if Arab lawmakers lend their support. The forthcoming coalition, including Arab representations, could signify a transformative moment in Israel’s political arena, establishing a more inclusive and balanced governance structure.
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