Democrats' Golan meets Eisenkot, opposition heads as leaders weigh path to coalition

The meetings came after Golan called on Wednesday for the opposition to form a coalition with the Arab parties, following a combined total of 19 seats projected for the Joint List and Ra’am.

Democrats party leader Yair Golan met with members of the opposition bloc seeking to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, as neither bloc secured the 61 seats needed to form a Knesset majority, leaving no clear path to forming a coalition.

The meetings came after Golan called on Wednesday for the opposition to form a coalition with the Arab parties, following a record-high combined total of 19 seats projected for the Joint List and Ra’am.

Golan met with Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot, whose party won the largest number of seats in the opposition bloc.

Earlier, Golan had met with opposition leader Yair Lapid, who holds the second slot on the B’Yachad party list, led by Naftali Bennett.

Eisenkot and Golan discussed the election results and their “shared commitment to implementing the voters’ will as quickly as possible,” Yashar stated.

Golan determined to do 'whatever is necessary'

Golan stated after the meeting that he was determined to do "whatever is necessary, with courage and responsibility, to seize this historic opportunity for change and secure Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state.”

All other opposition party leaders in the bloc seeking to replace Netanyahu - Eisenkot, Bennett, and Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu) - had drawn a red line to Arab parties being part of the government, arguing that they are not viable coalition partners after the October 7 Hamas attacks in 2023.

The political deadlock could ultimately lead to another election, although the parties may still reach an agreement through coalition negotiations. Other possible outcomes include a unity government between Netanyahu and members of Eisenkot’s bloc, or the formation of a minority government.

Golan also stated after the meeting with Eisenkot that the two had both "dedicated many years to Israel’s security, and we both understand the immense responsibility that now rests on our shoulders. Israel’s future is at stake.”

“We share a common path and a commitment to ensuring a better future for Israel.”

The Democats leader added that he would “continue to provide updates” on the situation. He had previously said on Wednesday that he would be meeting with three members of the opposition bloc.

After Golan's meeting with Lapid, the oppostion leader stated that the two met to “coordinate their next steps.”

Notably, Bennett was not part of the meeting, according to the statement and picture that were published after the meeting.

The Democrats party leader said that he was  "determined to make every effort, turn over every stone, and act with all our partners to save Israel."

"We will continue to work in coordination. We will not give up on the opportunity for change,” Golan added.

Liberman restates will not join with coalition with Arab parties

Following reports that Liberman was ignoring the phone calls of his fellow opposition members, the Yisarel Beytenu leader reiterated on Thursday that he would not sit with the Arab parties or Netanyahu.

"The only coalition we would consider is one made up exclusively of Zionist parties, including Likud without Bibi [Netanyahu],"  Liberman stated.

The near-final vote count from Tuesday's election showed that Netanyahu's bloc maintained its lead, securing 53 seats in the next Knesset, while the opposition bloc seeking to replace the premier won 48, according to official Central Elections Committee (CEC) figures released on Thursday.

Netanyahu's Likud is projected to enter with 27 seats, making it once again the largest party in the Knesset.