Netanyahu Loses Key Ally as Eisenkot Emerges Favourite to Form Israel's Next Government

Former Israel Defence Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as the leading contender to form Israel's next government after securing recommendations from 67 of the 120 newly elected Knesset members, putting him ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who received 46 endorsements.

President Isaac Herzog is expected to announce his choice on Sunday, November 8, after holding further consultations with political leaders to assess who has the best chance of forming a stable government.

Eisenkot's lead was strengthened by the backing of Arab-led parties, which secured a record 19 seats in the October 27 election. The Joint List and Ra'am recommended him, helping him cross the 61-member majority mark in parliamentary endorsements.

However, their support does not guarantee their participation in his government. Both Eisenkot and Netanyahu have ruled out forming a coalition with the Arab-led parties, leaving the opposition with the challenge of finding other partners.

Netanyahu suffered a setback after longtime ally United Torah Judaism (UTJ), which holds seven seats, declined to recommend either candidate. The party's disagreement with Netanyahu centres on the failure to pass legislation granting ultra-Orthodox Jewish men exemptions from compulsory military service.

In another development, opposition leader Avigdor Liberman has indicated a willingness to compromise on the military conscription issue and negotiate with ultra-Orthodox parties to prevent Netanyahu's return and avoid another election. Such negotiations could open a path for Eisenkot to secure additional parliamentary support.

The election left Netanyahu's bloc with 53 seats, while Eisenkot's Jewish-led opposition alliance secured 48. The Arab-led parties hold the remaining 19 seats.

Herzog said the recommendation figures alone do not establish who can form a government, citing disagreements and mutual vetoes between political parties.

Once appointed, the nominee will have 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension, to assemble a governing coalition. Netanyahu will continue as caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed.