Israeli Opposition Leaders Meet to Forge Government Path

The gathering included Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Liberman, and Yair Golan. While united in their goal to oust Netanyahu, the leaders face internal divisions regarding coalition partners and parliamentary strategy. Yair Golan of the Democrats has met with Joint List leaders to discuss cooperation, whereas Avigdor Liberman of Yisrael Beytenu strongly opposes a minority government or working with Arab parties like Ra'am and the Joint List, suggesting instead a government without them that could include ultra-Orthodox factions.

Disagreements also persist over parliamentary roles, such as the candidate for Knesset Speaker to replace Amir Ohana. Despite these tensions, and Liberman's sharp criticism of Eisenkot's campaign leadership, Yisrael Beytenu and the Democratic parties plan to recommend Eisenkot for Prime Minister, while Bennett's party plans to recommend Liberman. Outside the venue, families of October 7 victims protested, urging the leaders to form a government of change.