Gadi Eisenkot, leader of Israel’s opposition Yashar party, says he will try to form the next government. He also wants Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to leave politics.
Eisenkot spoke to supporters at a Tel Aviv arena in the early hours of Wednesday, October 28, after Tuesday’s vote. Neither major bloc won a majority in the Knesset.
He said he would do everything in his power to build a “Zionist government” that serves all Israelis. In his view, voters have rejected Netanyahu’s rule. He urged the prime minister to accept what he called a public vote of no confidence and step aside.
Eisenkot also argued against going back to the polls. Turnout was nearly 78 percent, the highest since 1999. Another election, he said, would be a mistake.
He gave a clear picture of the government he wants. It would back universal military service, work to dismantle Hamas and keep Israel a Jewish and democratic state. He promised a law on national service for all citizens.
He also sent Netanyahu a warning. “Don’t you dare use Israel’s security for your political needs,” he said. Observers read the remark as a response to Netanyahu’s threats of a new war on Iran, which could upend coalition talks.
The road ahead
The final count shows Netanyahu’s Likud-led bloc with 53 seats and Eisenkot’s camp with 48. Two Arab parties won 19. Neither leader has agreed to rely on them.
Eisenkot has said he will not serve in any government led by Netanyahu, even under a rotation deal. Netanyahu, for his part, has said a government that depends on Arab votes would lack legitimacy.
President Isaac Herzog will receive the final results on November 4. He will then consult party leaders and name the person best placed to form a coalition. Netanyahu is expected to stay on as caretaker prime minister until a new government takes office.
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Eisenkot Vows to Form Government, Tells Netanyahu to Quit Politics
Gadi Eisenkot, leader of Israel’s opposition Yashar party, says he will try to form the next government. He also wants Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to leave politics.
Eisenkot spoke to supporters at a Tel Aviv arena in the early hours of Wednesday, October 28, after Tuesday’s vote. Neither major bloc won a majority in the Knesset.
He said he would do everything in his power to build a “Zionist government” that serves all Israelis. In his view, voters have rejected Netanyahu’s rule. He urged the prime minister to accept what he called a public vote of no confidence and step aside.
Eisenkot also argued against going back to the polls. Turnout was nearly 78 percent, the highest since 1999. Another election, he said, would be a mistake.
He gave a clear picture of the government he wants. It would back universal military service, work to dismantle Hamas and keep Israel a Jewish and democratic state. He promised a law on national service for all citizens.
He also sent Netanyahu a warning. “Don’t you dare use Israel’s security for your political needs,” he said. Observers read the remark as a response to Netanyahu’s threats of a new war on Iran, which could upend coalition talks.
The road ahead
The final count shows Netanyahu’s Likud-led bloc with 53 seats and Eisenkot’s camp with 48. Two Arab parties won 19. Neither leader has agreed to rely on them.
Eisenkot has said he will not serve in any government led by Netanyahu, even under a rotation deal. Netanyahu, for his part, has said a government that depends on Arab votes would lack legitimacy.
President Isaac Herzog will receive the final results on November 4. He will then consult party leaders and name the person best placed to form a coalition. Netanyahu is expected to stay on as caretaker prime minister until a new government takes office.
