Israeli opposition bloc pledges swift government formation amid debate over Arab party participation
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Leaders of Israel's opposition coalition said they will work to establish a new government quickly to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but remain divided on whether to include Arab parties.
Leaders of the opposition bloc headed by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot met in Herzliya and pledged to form a new government as soon as possible, aiming to prevent another election. In a joint statement they reaffirmed four benchmarks set by Eisenkot, including recognition of Israel as a Jewish state and condemnation of Hamas, criteria that could limit participation by some Arab lawmakers.
The five party heads said they agreed on the need to create a "Zionist government" based on those principles. While the bloc holds 48 seats, Netanyahu's Likud-led camp retains 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, leaving both sides short of a majority.
Right-leaning former prime minister Naftali Bennett told reporters, "We don't have time -- we must act with great urgency," and said he would back Eisenkot. The only opposition leader openly supporting an alliance with Arab parties is Yair Golan of the Democrats, who described exclusion of the Arab minority as discriminatory and pledged to address crime and promote prosperity in Arab communities.
Avigdor Liberman, a right-wing member of the bloc, opposed including Arab parties but also expressed a desire to avoid a new election. Netanyahu, who called for a "broad national government" led by his Likud party, ruled out coalitions with Arab-majority lists, alleging they support terrorism and deny Israel's Jewish character.
Arab-Israeli party leaders have condemned the October 7 Hamas attack, though positions vary on recognizing Israel as a Jewish state. Merav Svirsky, whose family was killed in the attack, presented a petition urging Eisenkot not to join a coalition with Netanyahu, stating that any cooperation would legitimize the perpetrators.