Israel’s opposition backs Eisenkot to replace Netanyahu

Israel’s five opposition party leaders have agreed to back former military chief Gadi Eisenkot as prime minister, aiming to replace Benjamin Netanyahu’s government following the October 27 election.

The leaders met in Herzliya on Tuesday and agreed to recommend Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog, who will begin consultations with political parties on Wednesday to determine who should form the next government.

However, the opposition remains divided over whether to seek support from Arab-led parties, whose 19 seats could prove decisive in forming a parliamentary majority.

Netanyahu’s bloc secured 53 seats, while the opposition won 48 in the 120-member Knesset. A majority requires 61 seats.

Opposition leader Yair Golan supports an alliance with Arab-led parties, while Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman opposes their inclusion.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, has called for a broad national government under his leadership.