Eisenkot says Israel has chosen change, wants to form government

Opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot stated early Wednesday that Israel has chosen change following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and announced his intention to seek the formation of a new government. Speaking to supporters, Eisenkot warned Netanyahu against using national security for political purposes, likely referencing threats of new strikes on Iran.

He also expressed opposition to holding a second election, stating that it would be a mistake to rerun them given the high percentage of voters and that it is his duty to make the will of the people a reality.

According to France 24, the election remained deadlocked on Tuesday, with exit polls showing Eisenkot’s bloc narrowly leading Netanyahu’s camp 52 seats to 50. Neither side possessed a clear path to forming a government, while voter turnout reached 77.7%, the highest level in more than two decades.

Arutz Sheva - Israel National News reported that Otzma Yehudit chairman and Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responded to the exit poll results by warning that forming a unity government with Eisenkot would be a "terrible mistake." Ben Gvir expressed pride in the support received by his party and noted that he did not enter politics for the scenario being described.

Brief written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye, France 24, Arutz Sheva - Israel National News — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.