Eisenkot: Netanyahu lacks majority, opposition bloc will repeal laws that ‘threaten democracy'

Eisenkot’s video statement came ahead of consultations at the President’s Residence, which are set to begin on Wednesday.

Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot said on Tuesday that the opposition bloc seeking to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would act quickly to form “a national emergency government” and carry out parliamentary measures, including repealing laws that “threaten democracy,” following the swearing-in of the new Knesset next week.

Eisenkot’s video statement came ahead of consultations at the President’s Residence, which are set to begin on Wednesday. By law, the president is required to consult the Knesset factions before deciding who will receive the mandate to form a government.

“We will act quickly. We have two goals ahead of us: establishing a national emergency government and carrying out parliamentary measures – electing a new Knesset speaker, passing important legislation, and repealing laws that threaten democracy,” Eisenkot said.

The election results showed a political deadlock, with neither side securing a 61-seat majority in the Knesset.

Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 seats in the next Knesset, while the opposition bloc secured 48. The 19 recommendations from the Arab parties, in addition to the opposition bloc’s 48, would give Eisenkot the backing of 67 MKs in total, potentially leading President Isaac Herzog to grant him the mandate to form a government rather than Netanyahu.

Yashar calls Netanyahu 'caretaker prime minister'

The Yashar party leader added that Netanyahu lacked a majority and was “a caretaker prime minister with the support of only 46 members of Knesset.”

“The Likud and Netanyahu know that we are determined. That is why they continue to cast doubt on and undermine the official election results. This is their last refuge,” he said.

“The coming days will be filled with political spin and ugly, false briefings. Anyone who thinks they can intimidate the change movement has misjudged our determination,” Eisenkot added.

Opposition leaders agree to recommend Eisenkot to receive first mandate

Opposition party leaders Naftali Bennett (B’Yachad), Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu), and Yair Golan (the Democrats) also agreed to recommend to Herzog that Eisenkot receive the first mandate to form a government.

Eisenkot said the opposition party leaders had held a “good and important meeting” on Tuesday.

“We are coordinated and prepared for the coming days,” he added.

Replacing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a member of Likud, would give the opposition bloc greater control over the parliamentary agenda, including votes, legislation, and committee appointments, even if Netanyahu remains in office as head of a caretaker government.