Eisenkot’s Coalition Aims to Unseat Netanyahu as Israeli Political Deadlock Persists
Israel’s political situation is still in turmoil after the October 2026 election, with no single bloc securing the 61 Knesset seats needed to form a government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud-led coalition captured 53 seats, while Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party secured 48, leaving the 19 Arab‑majority seats as potential kingmakers.
Eisenkot’s Conditions for a Government
Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, has outlined strict criteria for forming a coalition, including recognizing Israel as a “Jewish, democratic, and liberal state” and condemning Hamas as a terrorist organization. These conditions reflect his push for a “Zionist government” that prioritizes national security and military readiness. His coalition also plans to establish a commission to investigate the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, a move aligned with public demand for accountability.
“I will only support military actions that respond to immediate threats to Israel,” Eisenkot stated. This stance contrasts with Netanyahu’s broader vision for a “national coalition” that excludes Arab parties, which the prime minister has accused of supporting terrorism.
Eisenkot’s bloc has scheduled a meeting in Herzliya to coordinate strategies, as reported by Jakarta-based sources. The opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, have also begun discussions to align their efforts.
Netanyahu’s Bid for a Broad Coalition
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has called for a “wide national government” led by his Likud party, emphasizing his party’s role as the largest in the Knesset. “The clear majority of Jewish voters chose Likud and me as prime minister,” he declared in a Telegram statement. However, his refusal to include Arab parties could tip the balance, as their 19 seats may be decisive.
Netanyahu’s bloc has reportedly begun reaching out to Arab parties, despite his public rejection of such alliances. However, key figures in Eisenkot’s coalition, such as Naftali Bennett (Partai B’Yachad) and Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu), have openly rejected any collaboration with Arab groups like the Joint List and Ra’am.
“I see the three of them very determined to form a government,” a source quoted in The Times of Israel said on October 31, 2026. This determination has heightened the strategic importance of Arab parties in the political deadlock.
Arab Parties’ Role in the Deadlock
Despite condemning the October 7 attacks, Arab parties in Israel have refused to label Hamas as a terrorist organization. The Joint List and Ra’am parties, which together hold 19 seats, have offered support for an alternative government outside Netanyahu’s coalition.
Protests in cities like Jerusalem, Beersheba, Haifa, and Tayibe have seen citizens demand a unified Jewish-Arab coalition to oust Netanyahu. “The Arab vote is as valuable as the Jewish vote,” one demonstrator said, echoing calls for inclusivity in governance.
While some Arab leaders, like Ra’am’s Mohammad Hroub, have acknowledged Israel’s Jewish character, others have resisted. This division has complicated efforts to form a cohesive opposition.
Next Steps: Knesset Sessions and Coalition Negotiations
The next critical date is November 4, when Isaac Herzog will begin consultations to determine who will lead the government formation process. A meeting of opposition leaders, including Eisenkot and Lapid, is scheduled before these discussions.
Meanwhile, the Knesset’s new members are set to be sworn in on November 10. The opposition has also proposed reforms, such as a law to bar individuals facing criminal charges from forming a government, potentially targeting Netanyahu, who is currently under investigation for corruption charges.
Requires 61 Seats to Form Government
What is the threshold for forming a government in Israel?
Israel’s constitution requires a prime minister to secure 61 of the 120 Knesset seats to form a government. Neither Netanyahu’s bloc (53 seats) nor Eisenkot’s (48 seats) has met this threshold, leaving the 19 Arab‑majority seats as a critical factor.
Why are Arab parties significant in this political situation?
The 19 seats held by Arab‑majority parties could determine the outcome of the government formation. While Netanyahu has ruled out alliances with these groups, Eisenkot’s coalition has hinted at possible collaboration.
Did You Know?
The 19 Arab‑majority seats in the Knesset represent a record high for Israeli Arab political representation.
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