NETANYAHU REMAINS IN THE POLITICAL GAME AS OPPOSITION STRUGGLES TO FORM A GOVERNMENT
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signalled that he remains a major political force despite growing efforts by opposition figures, including Gadi Eisenkot, to replace him following the recent parliamentary elections.
During a session of the newly elected Knesset, Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed the 120 lawmakers and welcomed Netanyahu, referring to him as the longest-serving member of the parliament.
Netanyahu was seen sitting with his arms crossed and a serious expression as the camera focused on him during Herzog’s remarks. His appearance attracted attention amid the ongoing political struggle over who will lead Israel’s next government.
Meanwhile, opposition efforts to build an alternative governing coalition are facing significant challenges.
Avigdor Lieberman has reportedly ruled out joining any government that depends on support from Arab political parties, complicating efforts to assemble a parliamentary majority against Netanyahu.
Gadi Eisenkot is also facing difficulties over the conditions for cooperation with Arab parties. He had previously insisted that Arab political parties seeking to support his government should explicitly condemn Hamas. However, disagreements over those conditions have raised questions about whether a stable coalition can be formed.
The situation highlights divisions within the opposition, which shares the objective of removing Netanyahu from power but remains divided over the political arrangements required to govern without him.
President Isaac Herzog has urged the newly elected lawmakers to avoid another election and work toward establishing a stable government, warning against allowing the political deadlock to continue.
Netanyahu, who has spent nearly 19 years serving as Israel’s prime minister across different periods, remains a central figure in the country’s political landscape.
Although the opposition has the potential to assemble a parliamentary majority, its success will depend on overcoming disagreements involving Arab parties, Lieberman and other political factions.
The central question remains whether Eisenkot and his allies can translate their opposition to Netanyahu into a workable governing coalition, or whether Netanyahu can once again benefit from divisions among his political rivals.