Israel: Opposition Parties Unite Behind Gadi Eisenkot to Replace Netanyahu

14:40

Israel’s opposition parties have taken a significant step towards challenging Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, agreeing to support former military chief Gadi Eisenkot as their preferred candidate for prime minister. The agreement signals a coordinated effort to establish a new governing coalition and bring an end to the current political leadership.

The decision followed a meeting in Herzliya on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, where leaders from the so-called Change Bloc gathered to discuss their strategy for forming a new government. At the conclusion of the meeting, the participating parties announced their intention to work towards replacing Netanyahu’s administration with what they described as a national emergency government.

Opposition Seeks a Unified Political Alternative

The opposition leaders said they believed a clear parliamentary majority existed within the Knesset to support a change of government. Their proposed strategy is based on four principles outlined by Eisenkot, who heads the Yashar! party.

In a joint statement, the political leaders stressed the importance of respecting the electorate’s choice, arguing that the election results reflected public support for a change in leadership. They also agreed to coordinate their initial parliamentary initiatives once the 26th Knesset begins its work.

The announcement represents an effort to transform the opposition’s electoral and parliamentary position into a functioning political alliance capable of securing government formation.

Eisenkot Emerges as the Coalition's Preferred Candidate

One of the most consequential outcomes of the meeting was the agreement among the participating parties to recommend Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog as the candidate who should receive the first mandate to form a government.

The move is intended to accelerate coalition negotiations, establish a new executive and avoid the possibility of another election. By presenting a common candidate, the opposition hopes to strengthen its negotiating position and reduce divisions among its constituent parties.

Eisenkot's leadership is therefore emerging as a central element of the opposition's attempt to build a viable alternative to Netanyahu's government.

Dispute Over Election Results Adds to Political Tensions

The opposition leaders also expressed concern over what they described as a campaign to undermine the legitimacy of the election results and the Central Elections Committee. They accused the Likud party and Netanyahu of contributing to an atmosphere that could weaken confidence in the electoral process.

In response to these concerns, the participating parties pledged to defend democratic institutions and oppose attempts to challenge the validity of the vote.

Coalition Negotiations Set to Begin

The next phase will involve negotiations between representatives of the different political formations. Their teams are expected to begin discussions immediately, focusing on the political priorities, governing principles and agreements required to establish Israel’s 38th government.

The opposition leaders also agreed to maintain close coordination throughout the coming days as efforts to form a new administration progress.

Although the agreement marks an important step towards a possible political transition, its success will ultimately depend on the ability of the participating parties to translate their common position into a stable parliamentary coalition.

For Eisenkot, the support announced in Herzliya provides a significant political opportunity. For Netanyahu's opponents, it represents an attempt to turn a fragmented opposition into a unified force capable of taking power.