Israeli Political Tensions Rise as Government Formation Mandate Nears

The decision follows consultations in which 67 Knesset members recommended Eisenkot for the premiership, compared to 46 who recommended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. United Torah Judaism did not recommend any candidate. While Eisenkot aims to form a national emergency government, his proposed minority coalition faces significant internal divisions. Avigdor Lieberman has criticized Eisenkot's approach, warning against a government reliant on Arab parties, while Eisenkot's camp accused Lieberman of undermining stability with personal whims.

To address these challenges, Eisenkot released conditions for joining a government, including legislating compulsory service for all, which could complicate negotiations with Haredi parties. Meanwhile, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri stated he would not dismantle the right-wing bloc. Prime Minister Netanyahu warned against a government that would erase the state and called for a national unity government including his allies, a proposal Eisenkot's party rejected, insisting Netanyahu must leave public life due to his role on October 7, 2023.