Eisenkot set to receive mandate as opposition bloc tensions surface after election

President Isaac Herzog has appointed Gadi Eisenkot to form Israel's next government, after securing 67 parliamentary endorsements compared to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 46. However, Eisenkot's path to power is facing challenges as Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman rejects a minority government backed by Arab parties.

Liberman is instead pursuing a 61-seat government with Haredi parties, or another election. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, a key ally in the coalition, is mediating between Liberman and Haredi politicians. Liberman has made it clear that a 48-seat government is not an option and is willing to make compromises on issues like military conscription to reach a 61-seat majority.

He is actively negotiating with United Torah Judaism and Shas, the latter of which has endorsed Netanyahu. Liberman's strategy involves bringing United Torah Judaism on board followed by Shas. If successful, a partnership with the Haredi parties could give Liberman significant political leverage, but it would require significant concessions, particularly on military conscription.

Meanwhile, Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, has expressed interest in a partnership with the Haredi community but emphasizes that it must be based on mutual responsibility and Haredi military service. Netanyahu, on the other hand, has called for a national unity government, renewing his offer after Eisenkot's potential success.

The situation now presents Eisenkot with a dilemma: either form a minority government as initially planned or accept Liberman's proposal for a 61-seat government with Haredi parties, which would require major concessions.