Eisenkot bloc leaders meet for first post-election talks; Bennett: 'We have no time'

Opposition leaders convened for their inaugural meeting since the recent elections, unanimously endorsing Yashar Gadi Eisenkot as the preferred candidate to form the next government. This gathering included Yachad's Naftali Bennett, Yisrael Beytenu's Avigdor Liberman, and Yair Golan of the Democrats. In attendance was outgoing opposition leader Yair Lapid, who emphasized the urgency of forming a government, stating that they are confronting a grave and perilous endeavor to delegitimize the election results.

Lapid urged the formation of a government to remove Netanyahu from the Prime Minister's Office, a sentiment echoed by the victims and families of the October 7 Hamas attacks, who demanded immediate action to prevent legitimizing the previous government. The consultations for the formation of the next government will commence on Wednesday, with the smallest factions being addressed first.

If no consensus is reached, the political stalemate might precipitate another election, though alternative outcomes such as a unity government or a minority administration remain possibilities. The Arab parties have indicated their openness to cooperating with the opposition bloc in efforts to displace Netanyahu.