Israel’s New Knesset Convenes as Leaders Compete to Form a Stable Government

On Sunday, President Isaac Herzog tasked Eisenkot with attempting to form a governing coalition. Speaking at the president’s residence, the leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party called for the establishment of a “national emergency government,” an implicit appeal to political factions to set aside ideological differences to block Netanyahu from continuing as prime minister.

“This will require creative and unconventional political steps,” Eisenkot stated. He announced that any party or Member of Knesset willing to accept four core principles could join his proposed government. These principles include recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state; upholding the values of the Declaration of Independence; supporting mandatory military, national, or civilian service for all citizens, including currently exempt communities; and recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization while committing to dismantling its military and governing infrastructure.

However, these four requirements present significant hurdles for potential coalition partners. The conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, who are exempt from military service due to full-time religious study, was a major campaign issue. The ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas parties, which collectively secured 13 seats, have strongly opposed changing the status quo—a stance that all parties within Eisenkot’s bloc campaigned to address.

Eisenkot’s four principles are also highly contentious for Arab parties. While both blocs emphasize equal national and civic rights for Israel’s Arab citizens, who comprise approximately 20% of the population, the vast majority of Israeli Arabs are not subject to mandatory military service. Additionally, neither Arab bloc has publicly recognized Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Nevertheless, Arab parties could assist Eisenkot in forming a minority government. The United Arab List, which won eight seats, has expressed willingness to join an Eisenkot-led coalition, while the Joint List, which secured 11 seats, has offered external parliamentary support. If Eisenkot pursues this path, he would still need to convince other parties in his bloc to agree. Avigdor Lieberman, whose Yisrael Beiteinu party won seven seats, has thus far refused to participate in a minority government dependent on Arab MKs.

In exchange for their support, the ultra-Orthodox parties would likely demand substantial concessions on military conscription, which could be unacceptable to most of the parties in Eisenkot’s bloc.

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, reiterated in a video on Monday his call for a government of national unity, which he said he would lead. He declared that any Zionist party—defined as those supporting Israel as a Jewish state, including opposition parties—would be eligible. He warned against forming a government relying on what he termed “Islamists,” referencing Arab parties.

“You cannot form a government with Hamas supporters,” Netanyahu asserted.

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