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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing the prospect of losing power as opposition parties step up efforts to form a new government following a closely contested parliamentary election.
Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot, who leads the opposition’s Yashar party, has been tasked by President Isaac Herzog with forming the next government after the October 27 election left Netanyahu’s ruling bloc without a parliamentary majority.
The election results have significantly weakened Netanyahu’s political position. His right-wing bloc secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while opposition parties won 48 seats.
Two Arab-led parties secured another 19 seats, potentially giving the anti-Netanyahu camp a combined 67 seats — enough to form a majority government.
However, Eisenkot faces considerable challenges in bringing the diverse opposition groups together.
Differences remain over whether Arab-led parties should directly participate in or support a new coalition, while some opposition leaders have also ruled out certain political partnerships.
President Herzog has given Eisenkot 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension.
If he fails, Netanyahu could be given another opportunity to secure a parliamentary majority. Failure by both sides could lead to another election.
Meanwhile, the newly sworn-in Knesset has already seen opposition lawmakers move against Netanyahu’s political legacy.
They have proposed legislation to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, introduce term limits for prime ministers and reverse parts of the government’s controversial judicial reforms.
Netanyahu, who remains caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed, has called for a national unity government.
He has also criticised the prospect of an administration dependent on Arab-led parties, arguing that it could undermine Israel’s security.
His former close adviser Nir Hefetz has described Netanyahu as being in a state of panic over the possibility of losing power, saying that a move to the opposition benches could significantly change the prime minister’s political and legal circumstances.
The coming weeks are therefore expected to be crucial for Israel’s political future, as Eisenkot attempts to secure the support needed to replace Netanyahu after his prolonged tenure in power.
