Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has vowed to use the new Knesset’s parliamentary majority to advance legislation and form a government, saying voters had decisively rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration.
“No matter how you look at the numbers, a majority of Israeli citizens, by a margin of more than half a million votes, voted against the government of October 7 and draft evasion, and in favour of change,” Eisenkot said in a formal announcement.
He pledged to swiftly advance legislation establishing a state commission of inquiry into the security lapses surrounding the Hamas-led October 7 attack, introducing universal conscription and dismantling the judicial restructuring measures implemented by the outgoing government.
“Do not let anyone mislead you: In the State of Israel, it is the Knesset that gives its confidence to the government, not the other way around,” he said, maintaining that the electoral outcome was clear despite attempts to cast doubt on it.
Netanyahu and his political partners have questioned Tuesday’s electoral tally, alleging foreign interference after the coalition lost its legislative majority.
Eisenkot also cautioned against taking military action for political reasons while negotiations over a new administration continue. Until a fresh government takes office, he said, he would support military operations “only in cases involving direct and immediate threats against Israel that cannot wait”.
He reiterated his goal of establishing a comprehensive “Zionist and statesmanlike government”, adding that any parliamentarian willing to endorse his foundational terms could be a potential partner. He also called for an extraordinary effort to avoid another election and a prolonged political impasse.
With neither bloc securing an outright majority in the 120-member Knesset, opposition parties are reportedly examining the possibility of introducing direct elections for prime minister.
According to The Times of Israel, the proposal could allow a minority government to form without relying on Arab factions' support. Under the proposed framework, voters would elect the prime minister separately from the wider governing line-up, potentially bypassing the parliamentary deadlock.
Similar mechanisms were floated by Netanyahu following the deadlocked March 2021 elections.
However, introducing such a system would require an amendment to Israel’s Basic Law: The Government, which requires the support of at least 61 lawmakers. The existing law stipulates that a prospective government must secure a formal vote of confidence in the Knesset before taking office.
Tuesday’s election gave the opposition 67 seats against 53 for the incumbent coalition. The opposition tally comprises 48 seats held by Zionist factions and 19 secured by Arab non-Zionist parties, leaving the question of cooperation between the groups central to efforts to form a government.
If neither side manages to secure a majority, Israel could be headed for another election, likely early next year. Netanyahu’s government would remain in a caretaker role in the meantime.
Such a scenario could pose a challenge for Netanyahu’s opponents, who entered the election with momentum but fell short of securing an outright majority. Tens of thousands of Israelis had travelled from abroad to vote, and it remains uncertain whether they would make another trip for a fresh election.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, could gain time to strengthen his coalition. Smaller right-wing parties that failed to cross the electoral threshold effectively wasted votes that could otherwise have contributed to the pro-Netanyahu bloc. Their supporters could shift to larger far-right parties in another election.
Following a similar political stalemate in 2019, Israel held five elections over three and a half years.
The final certified electoral results are scheduled to be submitted to Israeli President Isaac Herzog on November 4, following audits for possible discrepancies. The newly elected Knesset is scheduled to be sworn in on November 10.
(With agency inputs from ANI and AP via PTI)