Israel’s opposition meets to back Eisenkot, but Netanyahu says voters chose him

The leaders of Israel's opposition parties, representing a diverse coalition, are set to convene on Tuesday following the recent election. This election resulted in Gadi Eisenkot's bloc securing 48 seats, compared to Benjamin Netanyahu's camp with 53 seats. Astonishingly, Arab-majority lists emerged victorious, winning a record 19 seats in the 120-member parliament.

Eisenkot's political party announced that the leaders of their "change bloc" would gather in Herzliya to discuss coordinating their next steps. The opposition camp's primary objective is to form a broad coalition government under Eisenkot's leadership, despite Netanyahu's call for a national government without Arab parties.

The Arab-majority lists' support could be a significant factor in the opposition's efforts, but this possibility has become a contentious issue among opposition leaders. While some, like Golan, advocate for a partnership with the Arab lists, others, such as Lieberman, adamantly oppose it.

Netanyahu, as the head of the largest party, insists on leading the next coalition, stating that he was chosen by a clear majority of the Jewish public. He argues that his Likud party's position and his leadership make him the best candidate to form the government.

President Isaac Herzog holds the power to choose the candidate who will form the government. He has seven days to consult with party representatives and make his decision, but he must form a coalition within 28 days. Should this fail, the process can be repeated, leading to new elections if a coalition cannot be formed.