Israel's Eisenkot begins coalition talks, calls for national emergency government
Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has begun efforts to form a national emergency government after receiving a formal mandate from President Isaac Herzog on Sunday.
Speaking in Jerusalem, the former military chief called for new leadership, warning that Israel was facing one of the most vulnerable periods in its democratic history.
“This is the voice of the public, this is their decision, we must do everything to respect it,” Eisenkot said, pledging to reach out to all parliamentary factions, including allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Eisenkot secured recommendations from 67 lawmakers following the October 27 election, although their backing does not guarantee the 61 seats required to form a majority government.
He outlined four conditions for joining his coalition: recognising Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, upholding its Declaration of Independence, supporting mandatory national service and committing to dismantling Hamas's military and governing capabilities.
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The demands could complicate negotiations with ultra-Orthodox and Arab-led parties, whose support may prove crucial to forming a government.
Eisenkot also warned of growing diplomatic tensions, particularly with the United States, where Democrats recently secured control of both chambers of Congress amid public frustration over the Iran war.
“We are in the midst of a devastating diplomatic crisis,” he said, warning that even Israel's closest allies were questioning their relationship with the country. Eisenkot has 28 days to form a governing coalition, with a possible 14-day extension. If successful, he would replace Netanyahu as prime minister.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
