Opposition leader Eisenkot reports progress in coalition talks as ultra-Orthodox draft stance softens

Israel's opposition bloc is moving closer to forming a government that could replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after a key partner eased its demand for ultra-Orthodox Jews to serve in the military. Opposition chief Gadi Eisenkot, a former military commander, said on X that "significant progress" had been made and that he expects to receive a mandate from President Isaac Herzog, who will announce the first candidate to try to form a government on Sunday.

Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party and former aide to Netanyahu, announced on social media that he would no longer block talks with ultra-Orthodox parties, despite having previously criticised the community. He said the conscription law must be addressed as part of a broader compromise to avoid a stalemate.

Liberman added, "This also includes the issue of the conscription law. This pains me, and I know it pains many others as well. But given the full range of challenges we face today, the national interest of the State of Israel and the Jewish people must take precedence over all other considerations."

Eisenkot's coalition prospects rely on support from Israeli-Arab parties, whose seat count increased after the October 27 election. Yair Golan, the main left-wing opposition leader, said there is "serious work" underway and expressed optimism about the coalition's formation.

The ultra-Orthodox exemption from military service has been a source of tension, as reservists have served multiple tours since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Netanyahu, though personally secular, has traditionally relied on the ultra-Orthodox bloc, which represents about 14 percent of the population. United Torah Judaism declined to recommend Netanyahu for the next government, while its rabbis said they would evaluate any formal alliance proposal.

Liberman's shift follows earlier campaign rhetoric that labeled ultra-Orthodox draft-dodgers as "anti-Jewish." His party secured seven seats, the smallest share among the core opposition groups. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett, who also campaigned to end the exemption, has not commented on Liberman's change of position.

Only Golan has explicitly endorsed cooperation with Israeli-Arab lawmakers, who constitute roughly 20 percent of the population. Netanyahu's campaign warned that voting for the opposition could empower the Arab minority.

President Herzog is expected to name the first candidate to form a government on Sunday, with Eisenkot currently holding the most endorsements.