In brief
Gadi Eisenkot announced on Nov. 1, 2026, that he would try to form the broadest viable government and leverage a parliamentary majority to advance major legislative changes. With 48 Knesset seats versus 53 held by Netanyahu’s coalition, Eisenkot counts 19 seats won by Arab parties as a new core of support. He plans to launch a state inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack, institute mandatory service for all Israelis, and reverse the judicial overhaul. His remarks emphasize that the parliament, not the government, gives confidence and highlighted the possibility of achieving these goals without forming a full government.
On Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot said he would try to build the broadest possible government and use a parliamentary majority to push key policy changes.
Eisenkot’s bloc won 48 of the 120 seats in the Knesset, compared with 53 seats held by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. He noted that more than half a million Israeli voters rejected Netanyahu’s government, and that the 19 seats won by Arab parties – the Joint List and the Muslim Ra’am party – would back his agenda.
His plan includes creating a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack, enacting mandatory service for all Israeli citizens, and repealing the judicial overhaul legislation backed by Netanyahu.
Eisenkot wrote on social media:
Let no one mislead: In Israel, it is the parliament that gives its confidence to the government, not the other way around.
He said he might not need to form a full government; instead he could mobilise a majority in parliament, including the Arab parties, to advance the proposed laws.
The judicial overhaul, which reshaped the Israeli court system, faced criticism for limiting judicial checks on the executive. Reversing it could restore broader judicial oversight.
Mandatory service would expand the volunteer pool and reduce conscription gaps that impact certain communities.
The inquiry into Oct. 7 could shape national security policies and repair public trust after the tragic event.
The Arab parties, which won 19 seats, have historically opposed Netanyahu and have called for comprehensive investigations into the October incident.
Eisenkot’s next move will be to negotiate with smaller parties and independent members to secure the 61 votes required for a majority in the 120‑seat parliament.
If successful, the reforms could restore public trust and reshape Israel’s legal system, affecting future elections and civil liberties.
