Eisenkot is Netanyahu's strongest rival, and his selection by Herzog marks a significant development in the ongoing political stalemate. The elections saw Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition lose its majority, but it remains the largest bloc in parliament.

The anti-Netanyahu bloc led by Eisenkot has refused to collaborate with Arab parties that could potentially hand them a majority. However, despite this, Arab leaders have nominated Eisenkot for the role of forming a new government after marathon talks with Herzog.

Eisenkot's selection will now see him attempting to build a coalition and secure a majority in parliament, presenting a challenge to Netanyahu's bid to remain in power as Israel's longest-serving leader.

The Israeli president has entrusted Gadi Eisenkot with the task of forming a government, following weeks of intense negotiations after the recent elections. As per presidential protocol, Eisenkot will now attempt to assemble a coalition in parliament, which is expected to be a complex and challenging process.

With a 28-day deadline to form a government, Eisenkot has three potential pathways to power: attempting to create a minority government with support from Arab parties, forming an alliance with ultra-Orthodox groups he had previously shunned, or forging a unity government with incumbent Prime Minister Netanyahu. However, analysts suggest that all these options are unlikely to materialize.

Eisenkot's selection comes as a result of the failure of Netanyahu's wider religious-nationalist coalition to secure a majority in parliament, despite winning the most seats for any single party. With only 53 seats out of a total 120, Netanyahu's chances of remaining in power appear slim. The Likud party secured 27 seats, but it was not enough to guarantee a continuation of Netanyahu's tenure.

The process of forming a government is expected to be protracted, with the possibility of extensions and further negotiations. If Eisenkot fails to assemble a coalition, another candidate will be nominated to attempt to form a government, with the option of holding new elections if all else fails.

Eisenkot's Yashar party secured 21 seats, emerging as the second-largest party in the election. This significant showing enabled Eisenkot to form a coalition government, comprising four centre-left to right-wing Jewish-led parties that collectively won 48 seats.

However, this tally fell short of an outright majority, leaving Eisenkot with the daunting task of assembling a stable coalition. His background as a military commander, who oversaw operations in Lebanon, has been highlighted by his campaign team as a key asset in navigating Israel's complex security landscape.

Eisenkot comes from a unique cultural heritage, being the son of Moroccan immigrants, and would be the first prime minister from Israel's Mizrahi community. This demographic shift is significant, given that Jews tracing their roots to the Middle East and North Africa have historically been underrepresented in Israeli politics.

The personal costs of Eisenkot's involvement in national service are also well-documented, with his family having suffered the loss of a son and two nephews during combat in Gaza since 2023.

Eisenkot's views on Israel's military doctrine are at odds with his new role as prime minister-designate. He has expressed opposition to a policy known as "Dahiya Doctrine", named after a Beirut suburb devastated by war, which authorizes the use of disproportionate force against civilian infrastructure.

Critics have accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, where over 74,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the assault began. However, Israel disputes these claims and maintains that its actions are justified under military necessity.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20261107-israeli-president-picks-netanyahu-s-rival-eisenkot-to-try-to-form-government

All parties within Gadi Eisenkot's change bloc have endorsed him as the next prime minister, but they face a crucial decision on whether to form an alliance with Arab parties that made unexpected gains in the vote. These Arab parties could potentially hold the key to a coalition government, but their inclusion may be contentious among some opposition members.

Party leaders from Eisenkot's Yashar party have announced that they will meet in Herzliya on Tuesday morning to discuss coordinating their next steps. The meeting marks an important milestone in the formation of a potential new government, as the diverse opposition grouping seeks to present a united front against Netanyahu's bid for another term.

Netanyahu has called for a broad coalition government under his leadership, but it remains unclear whether this will be feasible given the fragmented nature of the Israeli political landscape. As Eisenkot's change bloc looks to unite behind their chosen leader, they face a complex web of alliances and rivalries that must be navigated in order to secure power.

The Israeli opposition has made significant gains in the latest parliamentary election, securing 48 seats, while incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's camp took 53 seats, including 27 from his Likud party.

Meanwhile, Arab-majority lists have won a record number of seats in the parliament, with 19 members elected. This development has given them considerable influence and potentially positions them as key players in forming any new government.

In response to these results, Netanyahu has called for a broad national government that excludes the participation of Arab parties. He argued that his Likud party had secured the largest number of seats and that he should lead the next coalition as prime minister.

Netanyahu also stated that his party would not form a coalition with any group that supports terrorism or denies Israel's existence as a Jewish state, explicitly ruling out an alliance with Arab-majority lists.

As negotiations for forming a new government continue, cracks are emerging within the opposition bloc led by Benny Eisenkot. Although all party leaders in his camp have expressed support for him to form the next government, there is disagreement on how to achieve this goal.

The possibility of partnering with Arab-majority lists has become a major point of contention. While some, like Yair Golan's Democrats, see potential benefits in such an alliance, others are strongly opposed. Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party is firmly against it, but Eisenkot's party has not explicitly ruled out the idea.

The stance of Naftali Bennett's centre-right Together party remains unclear, adding to the complexity of negotiations. Meanwhile, Eisenkot's bloc appears to be holding firm in its support for him as prime minister. The Arab lists have hinted at possibly endorsing Eisenkot, but no formal decision has been made.

Behind-the-scenes talks are ongoing, with few details emerging about the discussions so far. The shared objective among the Arab-majority leaders is to bring down what they describe as a "racist" government, while other parties in the opposition have more nuanced views on the issue.

The Israeli opposition has begun to coalesce around a single candidate to form a government, with former military chief Gadi Eisenkot emerging as the likely choice.

According to reports, Netanyahu's right-wing allies and ultra-Orthodox party Shas are expected to recommend his name for prime minister, while the position of another ultra-Orthodox party remains unclear.

President Isaac Herzog will hold consultations with party representatives starting Wednesday and has seven days to make a decision or until November 11.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20261103-israeli-opposition-unites-behind-eisenkot-netanyahu-voters-chose-him-pm

The election comes at a time when Israel is deeply divided, with voters delivering their verdict on the country's rightward drift under Netanyahu's stewardship. The trauma of the recent wars and ongoing conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, and other areas will likely be at the forefront of many minds as Israelis cast their ballots.

Regional tensions have driven Israel to the brink of isolation on the world stage, with concerns over accountability for past military campaigns and continued violence underpinning much of the campaign. The construction of new settlements in occupied territory has further strained relations with other nations, while domestic politics have been increasingly influenced by hard-right religious nationalism.

Netanyahu's long tenure as prime minister will be tested in this election, with polls suggesting a tight contest between him and his centrist rival Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief. Eisenkot's relative calm and humility are seen as stark contrasts to Netanyahu's more assertive approach to leadership.

The stakes for Netanyahu are high, with the latest polls showing him running neck and neck with Eisenkot ahead of Tuesday's vote. The outcome will shape not just Israel's domestic politics but also its place in the world, with significant implications for regional stability and global relations.

More than seven million eligible voters are participating in Israel's election, including over half a million young people casting their ballots for the first time.

Polls indicate that this demographic overwhelmingly identifies as centre-right or right-wing, suggesting they may be swayed by the security-focused campaign of incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Tens of thousands of Israelis have flown back from abroad to exercise their voting rights in an election seen as pivotal to shaping Israel's future character.

Netanyahu, who has served as prime minister for over 19 years, is emphasizing his security credentials in his re-election bid, highlighting his relationship with the US and claiming he is uniquely positioned to safeguard Israeli citizens.

The Israeli election is taking place against a backdrop of ongoing conflict and rising tensions in the region. The country has been engaged in multiple wars since October 7, with Israeli forces reducing Gaza to rubble and occupying parts of southern Lebanon. This has led to retaliatory attacks from various groups, including Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemen's Houthi rebels.

The bombardment has had a significant impact on Israelis at home, who have faced the threat of attack from these external forces. Many voters are likely to be influenced by these security concerns as they cast their ballots in the election. For some, Netanyahu's experience navigating difficult times is seen as an asset in this regard.

Zipporah Bennett, an 85-year-old retiree, believes that Netanyahu has the necessary experience and support from abroad to keep Israel safe. She points to his close relationship with the US government as a key factor in her decision to vote for him. This sentiment reflects the importance of security credentials in the election campaign.

The opposition has criticized Netanyahu's handling of the ultra-Orthodox parties within his coalition, particularly their efforts to maintain exemptions for religious Jewish students from military service. However, one of the most contentious issues is Netanyahu's refusal to take responsibility for the October 7 attack, which led to a significant loss of life and widespread destruction.

The opposition to Netanyahu's rule is led by an informal bloc of parties, including Yashar, which is headed by Eisenkot and spans a range from the right to the centre-left.

Eisenkot has made it clear that he opposes the creation of a Palestinian state and supports Israeli settlements, but also promises to crack down on violent settlers. This stance is likely to be a key factor in his campaign against Netanyahu. His party's platform appears to attract voters who are dissatisfied with Netanyahu's leadership.

The outcome of this election will not become clear for days, as the final results may take some time to emerge. With no single party expected to achieve a majority in parliament, negotiations to form a coalition government could be protracted and difficult.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20261027-israel-election-2026-netanyahu-october-7

Polls are indicating a closely fought contest between the right-wing and religious bloc led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the so-called change bloc opposing him. Right-leaning pollsters give Netanyahu's coalition an edge, while left-leaning ones show the opposition ahead. However, most polls suggest that neither side is likely to secure a decisive majority of 120 seats in the Knesset.

The tight margins mean that Tuesday's election could lead to a stalemate, forcing protracted negotiations between opposing parties or even a minority government. Alternatively, another election may be necessary if no clear winner emerges. This uncertainty has left many Israelis concerned about their country's future and stability.

This will be Israel's first election since the devastating attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which have been described as the country's most catastrophic security failure since its founding in 1948. The ongoing conflicts with Iran are also a pressing concern for Netanyahu, who has advocated for military action against the country.

The Israeli election is expected to be a closely contested affair, with several key issues potentially determining the outcome. One of these factors is Netanyahu's ability to form a coalition government without relying on support from Israel's Arab parties.

His pitch to voters hinges on two main arguments: that he alone can maintain a government free from the influence of Arab parties, which he sees as a threat to national security; and that ongoing conflicts with Iran require his continued leadership to achieve resolution. Netanyahu's stance on these issues is likely to be a deciding factor for many voters.

Netanyahu's Likud party has historically been aligned with ultranationalist and Jewish religious groups, and it appears this partnership will continue in any future government he forms. In fact, the success of Netanyahu's coalition plans may depend on his ability to maintain this alliance with these parties.

Netanyahu has emphasized that he is the only leader capable of working closely with Mr. Trump to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, a threat many Israelis consider existential.

This claim is likely to resonate with some voters who view Netanyahu's relationship with the US as crucial in maintaining Israel's security and regional influence.

The charisma and strong leadership style of Netanyahu have also been highlighted by supporters like Benny Abraham, a restaurant owner who described him as "the king of Israel.

Abraham's sentiment reflects the widespread perception that Netanyahu has a unique ability to navigate complex international relationships.

A diverse group of parties, including Arab, right-wing, left-wing, and centrist groups, have formed an alliance with one clear goal: removing Netanyahu from power.

This coalition, often referred to as the change bloc," faces a significant challenge in unifying its various factions behind a single leader.

The front-runner to lead this coalition is former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot, who leads the centrist Yashar party and has been thrust into politics after experiencing personal tragedy.

Eisenkot's military background has clearly had an impact on his approach to politics, as he emphasizes the need for a united Israel after years of division.

He is framing himself as a humble veteran who wants to bring people together and put an end to the bitter infighting that has characterized Israeli politics in recent times.

Eisenkot's campaign promises are focused on accountability and transparency, with one key pledge being the launch of a state inquiry into the intelligence failure that led to the October security breach.

This move is seen as a way for Eisenkot to demonstrate his commitment to getting to the bottom of what went wrong and making sure it doesn't happen again.

The outcome of Israel's election hangs in the balance as Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough road ahead. According to experts, there are several factors that could tip the scales in his favor or against him.

Two new parties have entered the fray, each hovering around the threshold for support required to gain seats in the Knesset. If either party manages to cross this threshold, it could significantly impact Netanyahu's chances of forming a new government. This is particularly relevant given that both parties cut across traditional lines of support and coalition partners.

The election outcome is far from certain, with multiple paths forward possible if neither bloc wins a clear majority in parliament. In such an event, parties or individual lawmakers may break election promises and switch sides, as has been seen in Israeli politics before. This could lead to weeks of intense negotiating before a new coalition is agreed upon.

To form a government, parties must collectively win more seats than their opponents, even if it's less than 50% of the total 120 seats available.

If a stalemate occurs and neither side can build a coalition government, Israel will be forced to hold new elections, a situation that has repeated itself multiple times in recent years. Between 2019 and 2022 alone, the country held five elections due to electoral deadlock.

CBS News World: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-election-benjamin-netanyahu-political-fate-key-factors/

However, one poster in particular is seen more frequently than any others: that of the liberal Yashar party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, a challenger to incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Yashar poster's slogan is "Rosh Memshala Dialna, a phrase combining Hebrew and Moroccan Arabic words that roughly translates to prime minister of our own.

This emphasis on Eisenkot's Moroccan roots may seem unusual given the city's reputation as a stronghold of the Israeli right, particularly Netanyahu's Likud party. In 2022, Likud secured more than 40% of votes in Sderot, significantly higher than its national share of around 23%. The city has historically been considered a bastion of the Israeli right.

Sderot is situated in the Negev desert, approximately 45 miles south of Tel Aviv and just over a kilometer from the Gaza border. It has become synonymous with Moroccan-Jewish culture in Israel, as evident in its vibrant music scene, cinematic productions, and even state politics. The city's large Moroccan Jewish community plays a significant role in shaping its identity.

The fact that Eisenkot is focusing on his Moroccan roots in Sderot reflects the party's efforts to tap into the city's cultural heritage and potentially garner support from its sizable Moroccan-Jewish population.

Historical divisions between Ashkenazim and Mizrahim continue to shape Israel's social and economic landscape. The country's Jewish population is approximately evenly split, with around 4 million people identifying as Mizrahi, mostly from Middle Eastern and North African backgrounds.

Mizrahi Jews have faced significant challenges since the establishment of the Israeli state, including systemic discrimination and neglect. These issues persist in modern-day Israel, influencing both economic opportunities and social dynamics. This historical context has become a focal point in the current election campaign.

The Yashar party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, has criticized Likud for marginalizing its Mizrahi politicians. A notable example is the party's campaign slogan, which implies that Netanyahu favors Ashkenazi voices over those from North African backgrounds. This perceived bias has been at the forefront of election discourse.

The controversy surrounding Eisenkot's identity was further fueled by a live television exchange between right-wing journalist Yinon Magal and other commentators. In this heated discussion, Magal made an inflammatory remark about Eisenkot being controlled by elitist Ashkenazim, labeling him as a monkey".

The concept of "Dialna has been met with skepticism by some, who view it as a term that should not be proudly claimed. Israeli society has historically attempted to erase the Arab identities of North African Jews, leading to a suppression of their cultural heritage.

By embracing his identity and using terms like of our own," Eisenkot is challenging this societal norm. He is creating a new sense of identity that combines Moroccan roots with Israeli nationality, allowing individuals to proudly express their double identity without feeling out of place.

The legacy of discriminatory policies against Mizrahim continues to have an impact on Israeli society today. The ruling socialist party, Mapai, which was dominated by Ashkenazi leaders, implemented policies that encouraged Europeanization over preservation of Arab culture and heritage.

These inequalities had far-reaching consequences, not just in terms of cultural identity but also in material living conditions. Many North African Jews were sent to Ma'abarot, temporary transit camps with limited infrastructure, before being relocated to development towns that struggled with underfunding and poverty.

Development towns like Sderot in the south continue to face economic challenges compared to more central regions of Israel. The historical injustices faced by Mizrahim have had a lasting impact on their socio-economic status, making it essential for leaders like Eisenkot to address these disparities during his campaign.

The legacy of Mapai's establishment has left a lasting impact on Mizrahi communities, hindering their access to employment, education, and basic infrastructure. This systemic exclusion was effectively exploited by Likud under Menachem Begin, who leveraged Mizrahi discontent to achieve the Mahapach, or upheaval, when Likud first took power in 1973.

The city of Sderot has been a prime example of this trend, with its proximity to Gaza making it a frequent target of Hamas rocket attacks. The devastating October 7, 2023 attack killed over 50 people and had a profound impact on the community. Despite this trauma, the city's population has grown by approximately 5,000 people in the past three years, reaching 40,000 residents.

Sderot's demographics have undergone significant changes, with many young families settling in the town due to idealism or government incentives. The national-religious community is increasingly prominent in Sderot, with its members often voting for the far-right Religious Zionism party led by Bezalel Smotrich.

As a result of this shift, Likud's performance in Sderot may be compromised, as voters may opt for Smotrich's party or other coalitions. The influence of the national-religious community on local politics is undeniable, posing a challenge to Netanyahu's coalition and potentially altering the electoral landscape.

In this context, leaders like Eisenkot are navigating complex dynamics, seeking to address historical disparities between different communities while also appealing to voters in Sderot and beyond.

The city's strong ties to its Moroccan heritage are unlikely to fade regardless of the election outcome. This is because Sderot has become deeply associated with its large community of Moroccan Jews, a legacy that will endure long after the vote.

Eisenkot's potential victory could provide an opportunity for this community to redefine its identity and strengthen its connection to its Moroccan roots.

DW English: https://www.dw.com/en/gadi-eisenkot-campaigns-on-moroccan-roots-in-challenge-to-netanyahu/a-79747193?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf

The protest was organized by the October Council, a group formed by families of victims and hostages taken during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. This attack sparked a war in Gaza, and the council is now pushing for a state commission of inquiry to uncover the truth behind the government's actions.

The council emphasized that Saturday's rally marked three years since they began advocating for accountability and truth about the events surrounding the Hamas attack. They stated their intention to continue pressing for answers through various channels, including public demonstrations like the one held on Saturday.

As the country prepares for its general election, the protest in Tel Aviv served as a poignant reminder of the widespread discontent with Netanyahu's government among many Israelis. The rally was just one part of what promises to be an intense period of campaigning and debate ahead of the election.

The protest against Prime Minister Netanyahu's government is expected to be well-represented by opposition party leaders, who are seeking to capitalize on growing discontent among Israeli citizens.

Recent opinion polls have suggested a tight contest between Netanyahu's right-wing bloc and that of his main centre-right rival Gadi Eisenkot, with neither side likely to secure a majority in parliament according to the latest pre-election surveys.

The rally is taking place at Hostages Square, a focal point for past anti-government protests demanding the release of those held captive in Gaza. Thousands are marching from Rabin Square towards this key location, where speakers will address the crowd and voice their grievances against Netanyahu's leadership.

As one protester put it, Israel has never been in such a precarious situation, with widespread discontent evident among citizens who feel that their government has failed to deliver on its promises over the past four years.

The October Council has issued a warning to law enforcement about potential disruptions at the protests in Tel Aviv, citing possible "provocations from supporters of the government.

The organization sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner after receiving alerts about attempts by entities linked to the coalition to disrupt the rally, according to its statement on X. This warning highlights the tense atmosphere surrounding the demonstrations and the fear of violence or other forms of interference.

The establishment of a commission to investigate the security failures leading up to October 7 has been a long-standing demand from Israeli civil society and opposition parties, but Netanyahu's government has refused to set one up independently. Instead, it has offered to create a political" commission with half its members appointed by the ruling coalition and half by opposition lawmakers.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20261024-thousands-take-to-tel-aviv-streets-for-protests-against-netanyahu