Eisenkot: Netanyahu lacks majority, opposition bloc will repeal laws that ‘threaten democracy'

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot declared on Tuesday that the opposition coalition, aiming to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would swiftly implement parliamentary actions, including the repeal of laws threatening democracy, following the Knesset's inauguration the following week. This announcement came before consultations at the President's Residence, scheduled to commence on Wednesday.

According to the law, the president must first consult with Knesset factions before appointing a prime minister. Earlier, Eisenkot met with leaders of various reformist parties. He emphasized that those considering a change underestimate their resolve. He further explained their dual objectives: establishing a national emergency government and enacting key legislation to repeal laws endangering democracy.

The election outcome left the political landscape in a deadlock, with neither side achieving a 61-seat majority in the Knesset. Netanyahu's coalition secured 53 seats, whereas the opposition coalition amassed 48. The 19 recommendations from Arab parties, combined with the opposition's 48, would grant Eisenkot backing from 67 MKs, potentially securing him the mandate to form a government instead of Netanyahu.

Yashar Party leader Eisenkot further stated that Netanyahu lacked a majority and was merely a "caretaker prime minister" with only 46 Knesset members supporting him. He accused Netanyahu's Likud party of doubting and undermining the election results, their last resort.

Opposition party leaders - Naftali Bennett (B Yachad), Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu), and Yair Golan (the Democrats) - also pledged to recommend to President Isaac Herzog that Eisenkot receive the initial mandate to form a government. Opposition leaders agreed to recommend Eisenkot, noting their coordinated preparations for the upcoming days.

Replacing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a Likud member, would empower the opposition bloc with greater control over parliamentary agenda, votes, legislation, and committee appointments, even if Netanyahu maintains his position as caretaker prime minister.