Netanyahu Vows Right-Wing Government; Eisenkot Calls for Change

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the Likud party emerged as the largest in the recent elections, based on preliminary exit poll results. He emphasized the necessity of forming a strong, national right-wing government and warned against establishing a coalition reliant on "anti-Zionist Arab parties" that oppose Israel's existence and view Hamas as a charity organization. Netanyahu thanked voters for their trust and for rejecting what he termed "criminal political investigations" aimed at ousting his government.

In contrast, Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, stated that the public has voted for change and that the current "failure coalition" has lost the people's trust. He asserted that Netanyahu faces a larger and stronger "Zionist national majority" and that a "worthy leader" would acknowledge the public's lack of confidence and step down. Eisenkot cautioned against holding new elections given the high voter turnout, stressing his commitment to forming a "Zionist enlistment government" that reflects the will of the people and ends an era of "draft evasion, failure, and lies."

Eisenkot also addressed security and public service officials, calling Netanyahu a "transitional prime minister without a mandate" and urging them to serve only the state and its citizens, assuring them of his support against any challenges. He warned Netanyahu not to exploit Israel's security for political gain.

Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Bayit Yehudi party, indicated that leaders of the "correction bloc" are coordinating and will work to form a "Zionist servants' alliance government" focused on performance and responsibility for all of Israel, pending final results.