Opposition claims progress in forming government after ultra-Orthodox policy shift

Israel's opposition reported headway in its effort to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a policy reversal by Avigdor Liberman on ultra-Orthodox military service. Opposition chief Gadi Eisenkot said he expects President Isaac Herzog to task him with forming a government when the president announces his decision on Sunday.

Eisenkot posted on X that the bloc had achieved "significant progress and breakthroughs, quietly and modestly, with much still happening behind the scenes." Left-wing opposition leader Yair Golan added that he felt more optimistic than he did on the Wednesday after the election.

Liberman, who leads the Yisrael Beiteinu party, reiterated his refusal to cooperate with Israeli-Arab parties but indicated openness to talks with ultra-Orthodox groups, despite having campaigned on ending their draft exemption. He warned that trying to satisfy all demands could result in achieving nothing.

Ultra-Orthodox parties hold 13 seats in the Knesset, enough to tip a coalition in Eisenkot's favor. Lawmaker Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism welcomed the apparent flexibility on conscription, noting that greater cooperation could have reduced recent societal tensions.

Eisenkot reaffirmed his commitment to mandatory service for all citizens, suggesting that civilian roles could satisfy ultra-Orthodox participation. He urged parties to join his effort now or later, hinting at the possibility of a minority government supported by external lawmakers.

The opposition also warned that the current government poses a threat to Israeli democracy amid ongoing military conflicts.