Israel opposition backs Gadi Eisenkot for PM, vows to replace Netanyahu's ‘October 7 government’

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused opposition leaders of hypocrisy regarding the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) draft law, arguing they had abandoned previous criticisms to gain their support for forming the next government. Netanyahu pointed to Yeshar chairman Gadi Eisenkot, B Yachad chairman Naftali Bennett, Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid, and Yisrael Beytenu's Avigdor Liberman as examples of those who had previously opposed legislation granting haredim a blanket exemption from military service.

The Israeli leader's remarks came as the Likud party disparaged the opposition coalition, accusing its leaders of attempting to create a "dangerous government" relying on terror supporters and asserting the Arab parties were unwilling to label Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations.

In response to criticism of his stance on the haredi draft law, Netanyahu expressed frustration, stating that for four years, the left-wing bloc and media had "unbridled attacks" on the haredi sector. He further criticized the opposition's shift in language, calling the legislation a "soft draft law" and accusing them of abandoning their election commitments while pursuing power at any cost.

The Likud and the right-wing bloc, according to Netanyahu, were the only ones to act in regulating the status of Torah students, ensuring those who study Torah can continue to do so while adhering to the law. He vowed to create a consensus-based solution in cooperation with haredi leaders and elected officials, guaranteeing that anyone not studying Torah in a yeshiva would serve in the IDF and maintain their haredi status upon completion.

Following Netanyahu's statement, Shas, the Sephardi haredi party, endorsed him as a potential prime minister candidate to President Isaac Herzog.