Eisenkot's minority bid splits opposition bloc as rivals demand full majority

The Israeli opposition bloc is divided over a plan to form a government with fewer than a parliamentary majority. Gadi Eisenkot supports this path, while Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Liberman oppose it. The disagreement centers on how to secure power after the upcoming elections, given that current polling shows the anti-Netanyahu camp ahead of the outgoing coalition but short of the 61 seats required for a standard majority.

Eisenkot intends to lead the bloc and serve as the primary candidate to form the next government. He has stated he will not serve under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even in a rotation arrangement. His strategy relies on winning 58 or 59 seats. Under this model, the government would pass a confidence vote to take office without permanent backing from 61 members of the Knesset. The administration would then work to expand its support base within parliament.

Legal experts note that swearing in a government requires a majority in a confidence vote, not 61 affirmative votes. This distinction means abstentions could allow a minority cabinet to take power. However, removing a sitting government through a constructive vote of no confidence still requires 61 MKs. Therefore, the minority strategy applies to forming a new government, not to displacing the current administration by simple majority.

Liberman categorically rejects a minority government, including transitional versions. He insists on a Zionist majority from the outset and finds the prospect of another election preferable to a government that fails his conditions. He has suggested bringing Likud MKs into a cabinet without Netanyahu, claiming some are willing, though no specific names or public talks have been confirmed. Bennett and Yair Lapid, who head the Beyachad list, share this stance, refusing to rely on the votes or abstentions of Arab parties.

In contrast, Democrats chairman Yair Golan has not ruled out cooperation with the Ra'am party. Eisenkot has also left the door open to outside support from Ra'am, although no formula for this arrangement exists yet. A meeting between Eisenkot and Liberman earlier this week produced a joint call to increase voter turnout but did not resolve their strategic conflict. Leadership rivalry persists, with Eisenkot seeking to head the largest party and Bennett citing his experience as prime minister as a reason for his candidacy.

The bloc is also nearing agreement on replacing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana before any coalition deal is finalized. Controlling the speaker's office would allow opponents to manage the parliamentary agenda even if Netanyahu remains as head of a caretaker government. Names such as Chili Tropper, Matan Kahana, and Elazar Stern from Eisenkot's list have been raised, along with candidates from Bennett's list and the Democrats. Liberman estimated that one-third of outgoing coalition MKs might vote against Ohana, though they must do so in a public vote.

Party teams are coordinating on several legislative priorities, including a state commission of inquiry into October 7, changes to conscription law, and limits on the prime minister's tenure. Liberman additionally seeks a bar on people facing criminal charges serving as prime minister. No binding agreement exists on the order of these measures or their specific details. Obstacles remain, including the fact that a new speaker does not automatically provide a legislative majority and that laws targeting Netanyahu could face constitutional hurdles.