Opposition backs Eisenkot to oust Netanyahu but splits over Arab party support

Opposition leaders have agreed to back Yair Eisenkot’s bloc in an effort to replace Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, yet they remain divided on whether to include Arab‑led parties that hold 19 seats. The agreement was reached a day before President Isaac Herzog is set to start consultations on forming the next Israeli government. In a joint statement the leaders said they will act immediately to replace the “Oct. 7 government” with a national emergency government. They accepted four principles proposed by Eisenkot, including recognition of Israel as a Jewish state and designation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation, a stance that could bar some Arab‑led parties from joining. Netanyahu’s bloc secured 53 seats, Eisenkot’s opposition bloc 48 seats, while Arab‑led parties together hold 19 seats, making them potential kingmakers. Yousef Jabareen, head of the largest Arab‑led party, urged the opposition to accept the “political reality” and unite to remove Netanyahu. Only Golan of the Democratic party has publicly backed an alliance with the Arab parties, meeting their leaders and pledging action against crimes targeting Palestinian citizens of Israel. In contrast, Yair Liberman of Beytenu opposes any alignment with Arab parties but also wants to avoid a repeat election.

Context

Israel’s fragmented parliament often forces unlikely coalitions; the current split reflects tension between the desire for a stable government and deep political divides over Arab party participation.