Eisenkot is bringing associates of Netanyahu into his fold.

BanglaPress Desk: Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot is attempting to forge new political alliances with the goal of forming a government in Israel. In an effort to oust the incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Eisenkot is seeking the support of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties—groups traditionally known as Netanyahu’s long-standing allies.

According to *The Times of Israel*, Eisenkot met on Monday (November 9) with Avigdor Liberman, leader of the right-wing party Yisrael Beiteinu, to discuss this strategy.

Reports indicate that the two reached an agreement to appoint a new Speaker of the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) from their own ranks. Furthermore, they agreed to pursue the support of the ultra-Orthodox parties—United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas—to facilitate the formation of a new government.

The opposition bloc led by Eisenkot currently holds 48 seats. Since a minimum of 61 seats is required to form a government in the Israeli parliament, they need the support of additional parties to secure a majority.

*The Times of Israel* reports that, alongside seeking support from other factions, opposition leaders are considering the removal of the current Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana. By appointing a new Speaker, they aim to advance their legislative agenda within the parliament.

On Friday, Liberman stated that despite policy disagreements, the opposition bloc should attempt to bring UTJ and Shas into its fold. Various reports suggest that Eisenkot consented to this approach during Monday’s meeting. Discussions have reportedly touched upon the possibility of drafting a more lenient version of the law concerning mandatory military conscription.

However, these two ultra-Orthodox parties have long opposed mandatory military service, whereas Eisenkot’s bloc had campaigned on a promise of universal mandatory military service.

Meanwhile, United Torah Judaism (UTJ)—a long-time ally of Netanyahu—has also grown dissatisfied with the Prime Minister. The party refused to support Netanyahu for another term, citing the failure to pass a law that would exempt Yeshiva students from military service. However, Shas remains in Netanyahu’s camp.

According to the Israeli news outlet Ynet, Lieberman advised Eisenkot during their meeting to abandon the idea of ​​forming a government with the support of Arab parties, arguing that such a government would lack stability. Instead, he suggested that forming a government with the backing of ultra-Orthodox parties would exert pressure on Netanyahu.

As reported by Channel 13, Lieberman told Eisenkot, "You will be the Prime Minister; I am not seeking the position myself"—even though Lieberman had publicly presented himself as a candidate for Prime Minister during the election campaign.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu is actively working to thwart efforts to form a new government led by Eisenkot. Channel 12 reported that he attempted to meet with two influential religious leaders from the UTJ (United Torah Judaism) party—Rabbi Dov Landau and Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch—but the report claims his request was rejected.

According to the reports, Netanyahu has urged the ultra-Orthodox parties to vote against any move by Eisenkot to form a government. It is also reported that Netanyahu is pushing for new elections, believing that a victory would allow him to meet the demands of the various parties.

Additionally, Channel 12 reported that Natan Eshel, a close associate of Netanyahu, had been in contact with Mansour Abbas—leader of the Arab party Ra'am—both before and after the election. Eshel, however, has denied that any such political messages were exchanged.