by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman announced Monday that his party will support Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister and Yair Lapid for Knesset speaker, bringing Israel’s four Jewish-led opposition parties behind a single candidate to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following last week’s inconclusive elections.
Liberman’s endorsement follows similar commitments from former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Democrats leader Yair Golan, strengthening Eisenkot’s position ahead of President Isaac Herzog’s consultations with political parties beginning Wednesday.
However, Liberman firmly rejected forming a minority government dependent on Arab parties, exposing a major obstacle to the opposition’s efforts to remove Netanyahu from power.
“I was also clear on the topic of a minority government: It won’t happen,” Liberman declared Monday, warning that such an arrangement would quickly collapse and potentially return Netanyahu to office with an even stronger parliamentary majority.
Opposition Has 67 Seats but Remains Divided
The October 27 election left Netanyahu’s coalition with 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while the four Jewish-led opposition parties secured 48. Arab parties captured a record 19 seats, creating a potential 67-seat parliamentary majority opposed to Netanyahu.
Although Arab party leaders have expressed willingness to support Eisenkot from outside a governing coalition, Liberman’s refusal to rely on their votes complicates the opposition’s path to power.
Meanwhile, Liberman endorsed Lapid’s bid to replace current Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a Netanyahu ally. Opposition leaders are reportedly preparing to seek Ohana’s removal after the new Knesset convenes November 10.
Replacing Ohana could give the opposition greater control over parliamentary proceedings, legislation and committee appointments even if Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister.
Herzog Faces Difficult Coalition Decision
With Eisenkot now backed by all four Jewish-led opposition parties, Israeli President Herzog could give the former IDF chief of staff the first opportunity to form a government, particularly if Arab lawmakers also recommend him.
Yet securing the presidential mandate does not guarantee a governing majority.
Liberman has ruled out both a Netanyahu-led unity government and a minority coalition dependent on Arab support, leaving Eisenkot with few viable options unless political positions change or lawmakers cross party lines.
The deepening stalemate raises the possibility of another election as Israel confronts continuing security threats from Iran and its regional proxies.
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