Israeli Opposition Moves Rapidly to Replace Netanyahu as Divisions Expose Political Deadlock
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Israeli opposition leaders, led by Gadi Eisenkot, are pushing to assemble a government as quickly as possible to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even as they struggle with internal disagreements over whether to include Arab parties or align with Orthodox Jewish factions.
Israeli opposition leaders gathered for the first time since last week's inconclusive election, openly debating how to move swiftly to form a government aimed at ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's grip on power. In a joint statement, the heads of five opposition parties declared their determination to prevent yet another election and said they want a government that recognizes Israel as a Jewish state and denounces Hamas as a terrorist organization, a formula that could sideline some Arab lawmakers and narrow the coalition's democratic reach.
Reports suggest that the opposition leaders are leaning toward alliances with Orthodox Jewish parties rather than Arab parties, even though the latter could provide the numbers needed for a majority. The Arab-majority parties won 19 seats in the 120-member parliament, reflecting widespread frustration with Netanyahu's government and its political style. Eisenkot's opposition bloc won 48 seats, while Netanyahu's coalition secured 53, including 27 from his Likud party.
Naftali Bennett, a former prime minister and member of the opposition, stressed the urgency of the moment, saying, "We don't have time -- we must act with great urgency." Public opinion polls indicate a split among Jewish Israeli opposition supporters over whether Arab parties should be included, with right-wing voters largely hostile to the idea.
Yousef Jabareen, leader of the largest Arab-majority party, urged the opposition to face political reality and work together to remove Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Yair Golan, head of the left-wing Democrats party, backed an alliance with Arab parties and emphasized the need to address pressing problems such as crime in Arab communities. However, Avigdor Liberman, a right-wing member of Eisenkot's bloc, firmly rejected including Arab parties, despite the shared desire to avoid new elections.
Netanyahu, who has drawn criticism for his divisive rhetoric and corruption charges, called for a "broad national government" while ruling out coalitions with Arab parties and accusing them of supporting terrorism. Opposition leaders have shown no willingness to unite with him, underscoring the deep and unresolved tensions in Israeli politics.