Israel Political Crisis Deepens As Gadi Eisenkot Calls Netanyahu Unfit To Remain PM

Jerusalem, November 11: Israel’s political battle has intensified after former military chief and Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot launched a sharp attack on caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him unfit to remain in office and accusing him of deepening national divisions.

The remarks came on Tuesday after Israel’s newly elected parliament, the Knesset, was sworn in. Netanyahu used the opening session to call for a national unity government, citing growing security concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.

However, Eisenkot rejected the appeal and vowed to build an alternative coalition. President Isaac Herzog tasked him with forming the next government on November 8 after consultations with political parties.

Eisenkot has also proposed an independent state commission of inquiry into the security failures that allowed Hamas to launch its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. His bloc has further sought to reverse key judicial reforms introduced under Netanyahu’s previous government.

In the 120-member Knesset, Eisenkot’s bloc holds 48 seats, while Netanyahu’s Likud-led alliance has 53. With 61 seats required for a majority, Eisenkot will need support from additional parties, including potentially Arab-led factions.

He has 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension. If he fails, President Herzog may ask another political leader to form a coalition.

The political standoff comes as Netanyahu continues to push for national unity, warning that Israel could face growing international pressure over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.