Netanyahu's Rivals Secure Initial Deal as Israel's New Parliament Convenes

Israel's newly elected parliament is set to be sworn in on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opponents announcing a preliminary agreement on key appointments as they work towards forming a governing coalition. Gadi Eisenkot, the former army general tasked with forming a government following last month's election, stated that opposition leaders have reached consensus on nominations for four significant positions within the new Knesset.

Securing a comprehensive coalition agreement is anticipated to be a more formidable challenge for Mr. Eisenkot's bloc, which currently lacks a majority in the 120-seat parliament. To achieve the necessary support, the bloc will either need to enlist the backing of Arab parties, a move that could prove contentious within Israel, or secure defectors from Mr. Netanyahu's existing political camp.

One of the proposed nominees for a Knesset role is Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party and a former defense minister, whose support is considered vital for an Eisenkot-led government. Mr. Lieberman has previously expressed his reluctance to collaborate with Arab parties. The opposition's deal, announced on Monday, would position Mr. Lieberman to head the Knesset's foreign affairs and defense committee. Liran Avisar Ben-Horin, a member of former prime minister Naftali Bennett's party, is slated to chair the finance committee. Matan Kahana, a member of Mr. Eisenkot's Yashar party, has been put forward by the opposition as their candidate for Knesset speaker. Additionally, another party colleague, Roy Folkman, is nominated to lead the procedure committee.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog officially invited Mr. Eisenkot to form a government on Sunday, after the results of the October 27 election were finalized. Mr. Eisenkot has been granted 28 days to assemble a majority, with a potential extension to 42 days. Should he fail, Mr. Netanyahu may be given an opportunity to remain in power.

Mr. Eisenkot, who previously served as the head of the Israeli military, established his Yashar party last year and has emerged as Mr. Netanyahu's primary challenger. The success of Yashar, among other factors, has led to 47 of the 120 Members of Parliament being new to the Knesset. This shift also reflects significant gains for the Joint List and Ra'am blocs, which represent Israel's Arab minority.

Mr. Eisenkot has not yet disclosed his strategy for securing the 61 seats required for a majority, instead emphasizing the need for compromise and the urgency of replacing the current Netanyahu government. While his prospective coalition partners have publicly backed him for the premiership, questions linger about their ability to cooperate effectively.

Mr. Lieberman stated as recently as Sunday that he would not support a government with Arab backing, but has suggested that the Eisenkot camp might attract some of Mr. Netanyahu's current supporters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to serve as caretaker during this transition period.

One potential avenue for Mr. Eisenkot could involve gaining the support of ultra-Orthodox Jewish politicians who have previously allied with Mr. Netanyahu. Notably, one of the two ultra-Orthodox parties in the Knesset has declined to endorse Mr. Netanyahu for another term. However, any agreement with the opposition could ignite a significant dispute concerning religious minorities and military service obligations.

Few anticipate substantial shifts in Israeli foreign policy, as most opposition candidates advocate for a firm stance against Iran and oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state. Nevertheless, Mr. Eisenkot has expressed a desire to improve Israel's international standing and to investigate security lapses that occurred under Mr. Netanyahu's administration. One of Mr. Eisenkot's sons was tragically killed during the Gaza war.

Since election day, Mr. Netanyahu has repeatedly claimed that the vote was