Israeli Opposition Leaders Meet to Forge Government Path

Leaders of the "change bloc" coalition, including Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan, convened on Tuesday at the Dan Accadia Hotel in Herzliya. This marks their first meeting since the elections, aiming to formulate a plan for forming a government and replacing the Benjamin Netanyahu administration.

Several scenarios are under consideration, such as forming a minority government with the support of Arab parties, potential cooperation with the United Torah Judaism party, and parliamentary maneuvers to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Lapid stated upon arrival, "We are facing a serious and dangerous attempt to harm the election results. We must form a government. The conduct of recent days is just another reminder that we need to remove Netanyahu from the Prime Minister's office."

A significant point of contention is Avigdor Lieberman's stance. He previously declared he would not agree to a minority government and accused Eisenkot of running an "egotistical campaign" that harmed the change bloc. Despite this criticism, Lieberman announced he would recommend Eisenkot for prime minister.

Arie Deri stated, "We must prevent further elections. In the current political situation, there is enough room for maneuver, and with proper navigation, a functioning and stable government can be established quickly without Ra'am and the Joint List." He also rejected an offer to join a Netanyahu-led government, saying, "I recognize the need to form a government, but I do not trust Netanyahu. He must go."

Meanwhile, Yair Golan met earlier with Yousef Jabareen, chairman of the Joint List, and Ahmed Tibi, chairman of the faction, to advance political cooperation. The Democrats party announced that the three discussed coordination between their factions and the steps needed to achieve a parliamentary majority and replace the Netanyahu government. They agreed to continue coordinating their efforts for future political moves toward establishing a change government. This meeting highlights a division within the bloc, as Golan pursues coordination with Arab parties while Lieberman opposes relying on them.