Gadi Eisenkot, the former military chief who campaigned on a platform of national unity, has emerged as the frontrunner to form Israel’s next government. Following the October 27 election, which left the 120-member Knesset in a state of gridlock, President Isaac Herzog is currently holding consultations to determine who will receive the mandate to assemble a coalition.
While Benjamin Netanyahu—a polarizing figure who has led the nation through three years of war—remains the incumbent, his right-wing bloc secured only 53 seats, falling well short of the 61 required for a majority. President Herzog is expected to grant the mandate to the candidate recommended by the most parties, a position currently held by Eisenkot.
The Shift in Ultra-Orthodox Allegiance
In a move that signals a potential realignment in Israeli politics, United Torah Judaism (UTJ) has declined to recommend Benjamin Netanyahu for another term as prime minister. The party, which represents ultra-Orthodox Jews of Ashkenazi descent and has consistently backed Netanyahu through the last five elections, informed President Herzog that it would not recommend any member of the Knesset to form a government at this stage.
Observers suggest this tactic is designed to signal that their support is no longer automatic. The ultra-Orthodox parties, including Shas, have long demanded the preservation of military service exemptions for Torah students. As UTJ lawmaker Isaac Pindrus stated, “In whatever government is next formed, our immediate item is sorting out the status of Torah students.” This stance remains a point of contention for Eisenkot, who has been steadfast in his calls to close these military exemptions, a position that resonates with secular voters exhausted by the heavy toll of reservist service in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
Arab Lawmakers Hold Decisive Seats in Parliament
The math of the new parliament hinges on the record 19 seats held by Arab-majority lists. These parties saw a surge in support fueled by widespread anger over the hard-right policies of the outgoing government, with some ministers having vowed to treat Israeli citizens in ways that mirror the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Mansour Abbas, leader of the Raam list, has officially recommended Eisenkot to President Herzog. This creates a complex strategic puzzle for the former military chief. While an alliance with Arab parties could provide the numbers necessary to reach a majority, it risks alienating potential partners within his own opposition bloc. Avigdor Liberman, a former Netanyahu ally turned critic who maintains hawkish views on Palestinian policy, remains a volatile factor in these negotiations.
Netanyahu has aggressively attacked the prospect of an opposition coalition involving Arab lawmakers. In a video released from his office, the prime minister alleged “serious suspicions” regarding foreign funding in the election and questioned the loyalty of Arab citizens.
Designated Leaders Face Strict Coalition Deadlines
Once the mandate is formally handed to a lawmaker, that individual will have 28 days to build a stable coalition, with a possible 14-day extension. If the designated leader fails to secure a majority, the president will be forced to task another politician with the attempt.
Eisenkot’s Yashar party secured 21 seats, trailing Likud’s 27. However, with the backing of the Democrats, B’Yachad, and Yisrael Beytenu, Eisenkot’s support reached 56 lawmakers by November 4. This momentum currently puts him in a stronger position than Netanyahu, who is struggling to reclaim his former political influence.
BREAKING 🇮🇱🇵🇸: The pro-Netanyahu bloc's United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas political parties have withdrawn their support for Netanyahu as Israel’s prime minister and are supporting Gadi Eisenkot instead. pic.twitter.com/UjEUDbfDTm
The central uncertainty remains whether Eisenkot can bridge the ideological chasm between his secular allies and the Arab-led parties whose support he needs to govern. With the official election results certified by the Central Elections Committee, President Isaac Herzog has begun consultations with political parties to determine who will be tasked with forming a government. For now, Israel waits to see if the mandate will officially pass to the former military chief, or if Netanyahu can find a way to break the deadlock from the outside.
How do you see the tension between military service requirements and religious exemptions playing out in the next coalition?
More on Gadi Eisenkot
🚨Senior United Torah Judaism figures are reportedly considering supporting a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, signaling a possible break from their longstanding alliance with Netanyahu following Tuesday’s elections. According to the report, some UTJ officials believe their… pic.twitter.com/v1EOETywre
Report: Members of United Torah Judaism (UTJ) are eager to explore political cooperation with Gadi Eisenkot following Tuesday's elections, despite significant differences between the sides and a complete lack of trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Channel 13 reported on…
