{
  "id": 18833475,
  "title": "Eisenkot's path to power challenged as Liberman rejects minority government backed by Arab parties",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/eisenkots-path-to-power-challenged-as-liberman-rejects-minority",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T00:20:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ynetnews",
    "slug": "ynetnews",
    "url": "https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjcm3v6agl"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "President Isaac Herzog announced on Saturday that Gadi Eisenkot will be tasked with forming the next government following the October 27 election. Eisenkot, a former military chief and political newcomer, was recommended by parties representing 67 lawmakers, compared to 46 for Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc. The formal appointment ceremony is scheduled for Sunday at the president's residence in Jerusalem.\n\nEisenkot has up to six weeks to assemble a coalition. While the opposition bloc has opened the door to an alliance with ultra-Orthodox Jews to reach the necessary numbers, negotiations face complications. According to Malay Mail, the recommendations for Eisenkot included members of Israel’s Arab minority, though some right-leaning segments of the opposition are against relying on those votes. Ynetnews reports that Liberman is seeking a 61-seat majority with Haredi support, while disagreements over military conscription threaten to complicate the process.\n\nNetanyahu has called for a national unity government. Eisenkot stated on his X account that he will do everything possible to prove the country worthy and establish a national emergency government.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC News",
        "title": "Israel's president tasks opposition leader Eisenkot with forming government",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/israels-president-tasks-opposition-leader-eisenkot-with-forming",
        "published": "2026-11-07T21:51:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}