In brief
On Saturday, 31 October 2026, Gadi Eisenkot vowed to create the broadest government possible in Israel, citing a parliamentary majority that includes Arab parties. He intends to use this majority to advance a state inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack, mandatory service for all Israelis, and repeal of Netanyahu‑backed judicial reform. Eisenkot remains firm that the Knesset grants confidence to the government, not the reverse.
On Saturday, 31 October 2026, Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot announced his intention to form the broadest possible government, positioning himself to harness a parliamentary majority in the 120‑member Knesset. The declaration was made in Jerusalem, where the political climate following the most recent elections remains highly volatile.
According to Eisenkot, the opposition bloc secured 48 seats in the latest election, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition holds 53 seats. Although the opposition lacks an outright majority, Eisenkot points to the support of Arab‑led parties as a decisive factor in redefining parliamentary power.
He argued that a clear majority of voters rejected Netanyahu’s government by what he calculated as more than half a million votes, a figure that incorporates the 19 seats won by the Joint List and the Muslim Ra’am party—both formidable opponents of Netanyahu’s agenda.
Eisenkot outlined several legislative priorities that he seeks to push through the Knesset. These include the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack, the introduction of mandatory service for all Israelis, and the repeal of judicial overhaul legislation championed by Netanyahu’s government.
In his post, Eisenkot clarified that his strategy might not require forming a formal government, but rather mobilizing a parliamentary majority that includes Arab parties. He believes that the Knesset’s confidence can be leveraged to advance these measures regardless of formal coalitional structure.
Gadi Eisenkot said:
Let no one mislead: In Israel, it is the parliament that gives its confidence to the government, not the other way around.
This statement underscores Eisenkot’s view that the Knesset is the decisive body in Israeli governance, rather than the executive leadership alone. He maintains that any broad coalition or confidence vote stems from parliamentary majorities that reflect the will of the electorate.
While the opposition’s tally of 48 seats falls short of an absolute majority, Eisenkot is counting on the strategic alignment of Arab parties that together hold 19 seats. These parties have consistently opposed Netanyahu’s initiatives, including extensive judicial reforms.
The announcement follows an eleven‑day parliamentary debate on coalition talks, during which Netanyahu’s coalition remained the most powerful bloc. Nevertheless, Eisenkot’s insistence on mobilizing a majority suggests a willingness to negotiate across traditional party lines.
Observers note that the success of Eisenkot’s plan hinges on both the political will of the Arab parties and the willingness of the opposition to form inclusive agreements that can sustain a parliamentary majority. If enacted, the proposed measures could significantly reshape Israel’s security and legal frameworks.
