Eisenkot pushes for swift emergency cabinet after securing backing

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, declared on Tuesday that his opposition bloc will move quickly to assemble a national emergency government. The goal is to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately after the new Knesset is sworn in next week. Eisenkot outlined a plan that includes repealing laws he says threaten the country's democratic structure. He stated this video address just before President Isaac Herzog begins formal consultations at the President's Residence on Wednesday.

Israeli law requires Herzog to speak with Knesset faction leaders before choosing a candidate to form a government. Eisenkot listed specific early actions for his administration. These include electing a new speaker, passing new statutes, and reversing existing laws that opponents argue weaken democratic norms. He characterized Netanyahu's current status as a caretaker role supported by only 46 members of the new parliament.

Recent election results showed a split in the new legislature. Neither side holds the 61 seats needed for a majority. Netanyahu's bloc won 53 seats, while the opposition bloc took 48. However, Eisenkot's camp adds 19 recommendations from Arab parties to their total. This brings their support to 67 members. Eisenkot argued this numerical edge should lead Herzog to grant the mandate to him rather than to the incumbent.

The Yashar leader described Netanyahu's attempts to question the official results as a final effort to keep power. He warned that the coming days will bring political maneuvering and what he called false briefings. Eisenkot said the opposition is determined and prepared to handle these challenges. He maintained that the coalition remains focused on governance and legislative reform.

Other major opposition figures have joined Eisenkot's effort. Naftali Bennett of B'Yachad, Avigdor Liberman of Yisrael Beytenu, and Yair Golan of the Democrats all agreed to recommend Eisenkot to the President. Eisenkot said they held a productive meeting on Tuesday to coordinate their strategy. He confirmed the group is ready for the upcoming political events.

A central part of the plan involves replacing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a Likud member. Taking this post would give the opposition control over the parliamentary agenda. This includes managing votes, overseeing the legislative process, and deciding on committee appointments. Such control allows the opposition to advance its agenda even if Netanyahu stays on as a caretaker during the transition.

Herzog is set to begin his consultations with party leaders on Wednesday. The outcome of these talks will determine who receives the mandate to form a government. The new Knesset is scheduled to be sworn in next week. Eisenkot's bloc aims to have its emergency government and initial legislative changes ready by that time.