Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting to retain power as opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot prepares to form a new government, with growing concerns that prolonged coalition negotiations could undermine efforts to remove the longtime leader, according to Israeli newspaper Maariv.
In an analysis published on Sunday, political commentator Ben Caspit argued that Netanyahu was seeking to obstruct a political transition after President Isaac Herzog announced that Eisenkot would be given the first opportunity to form a government following Israel’s October 27 parliamentary elections.
Caspit accused Netanyahu of reversing his position on a national unity government, noting that the prime minister had rejected similar arrangements during the election campaign.
The commentator pointed to Netanyahu’s previous power-sharing agreement with Benny Gantz, arguing that the prime minister’s latest proposal was designed to preserve his political influence.
He also accused Netanyahu of exploiting fears surrounding Arab political parties to mobilise his supporters, despite having previously explored cooperation with Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List.
Coalition divisions threaten Eisenkot’s path
According to Maariv, one of Eisenkot’s biggest obstacles is Avigdor Lieberman, whose position on the composition of the next government could determine whether the opposition succeeds in replacing Netanyahu.
Eisenkot reportedly favours moving quickly to establish a minority government with external parliamentary support from Arab parties before pursuing broader coalition negotiations.
Lieberman, however, has expressed a preference for an arrangement involving ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, a proposal that would require complicated negotiations over issues including military conscription.
Caspit warned that prolonged negotiations with religious parties could create opportunities for Netanyahu to regain the political initiative.
The analysis suggested that establishing a government quickly, even one initially dependent on external parliamentary support, could offer Eisenkot a more immediate route to power.
The warning comes after 67 members of Israel’s 120-seat Knesset recommended Eisenkot to form the next government, compared with 46 who backed Netanyahu.
Despite that advantage, divisions among opposition parties over cooperation with Arab lawmakers have complicated efforts to establish a governing majority.
Allegations of political interference
The Maariv analysis also raised concerns about the possible involvement of Israeli security institutions in the country’s political struggle.
Citing a source close to Eisenkot, the report alleged that the police and Shin Bet domestic security agency had been used to influence the electoral process, linking the accusations to Netanyahu’s office.
The allegations were not independently substantiated in the report.
Caspit warned that the perceived politicisation of security institutions could undermine public confidence in Israel’s governing structures and deepen political divisions.
Washington’s role in Israel’s political transition
The analysis also highlighted growing concerns over Israel’s international standing, particularly its relationship with the United States.
According to Maariv, individuals close to Eisenkot have maintained contacts with figures associated with US President Donald Trump’s political circle.
The report claimed that messages conveyed through those contacts encouraged Eisenkot to move quickly towards establishing a new government, although the alleged communications have not been independently confirmed.
Caspit argued that Israel’s next leadership would face significant diplomatic and security challenges, alongside the immediate task of overcoming deep domestic political divisions.
With Netanyahu continuing to advocate a national unity government, Eisenkot faces mounting pressure to translate his parliamentary backing into a viable governing coalition.
Under Israeli law, Eisenkot will have an initial 28 days to form a government once he formally receives the mandate, with a possible 14-day extension.
The coming negotiations could determine whether Netanyahu’s lengthy tenure as prime minister comes to an end or whether divisions among his opponents allow him another opportunity to remain in power.
