Eisenkot Launches 28-Day Clock to Dislodge Netanyahu as Knesset Convenes

Gadi Eisenkot began a 28-day window on Tuesday to assemble a governing coalition, a process that could end Benjamin Netanyahu’s tenure as Israel’s longest-serving leader. President Isaac Herzog formally tasked the opposition chief with building a cabinet after Eisenkot garnered support from 67 members of the 120-seat Knesset. Netanyahu, who retains the caretaker prime minister title, must now wait while Eisenkot attempts to bridge a parliamentary gap that leaves both major camps short of a majority.

The challenge is mathematical as much as political. Eisenkot’s four-party bloc won 48 seats in the recent election, while Netanyahu’s bloc captured 53. Neither group commands a stable majority. Eisenkot has a standard 28 days to succeed, with a single two-week extension available if needed. The new parliament includes nearly half new members and features a record number of seats held by Arab-led parties, adding layers of complexity to the negotiations.

In his address at the president’s residence, Eisenkot called for a national emergency government to unify parties against the current administration. He outlined four non-negotiable conditions for any partner: recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, accepting the values of the Declaration of Independence, backing mandatory service for all communities, and committing to dismantle Hamas’s military and governing capabilities. Eisenkot stated these steps would require creative and unconventional political maneuvers.

These conditions create friction with key voting blocs. The ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism and Shas parties, holding 13 seats combined, fiercely oppose mandatory conscription for men in religious study. The Arab-led United Arab List and Joint List, which won 19 seats together, emphasize equal civic rights and have not publicly recognized Hamas as a terrorist organization. These divergences make a traditional majority coalition difficult to secure.

Arabic parties may still play a decisive role. The United Arab List has signaled willingness to join an Eisenkot-led coalition, while the Joint List offered to support the government from outside the cabinet. Eisenkot must now persuade his own partners, including Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu, to accept a minority arrangement dependent on Arab votes. Lieberman has previously resisted such a structure.

Netanyahu responded on Monday with a video message reaffirming his push for a unity government led by his office. He welcomed any Zionist party into his coalition while warning against relying on what he called the Islamists. You cannot form a government with Hamas supporters, Netanyahu said, setting the stage for a tense race to form a cabinet before the deadline expires.