Eisenkot seeks 58-seat path to power as rivals demand full majority

Gadi Eisenkot has put forward a plan to form a government with as few as 58 seats, a number that falls short of the 61 required for a standard parliamentary majority. This proposal splits the anti-Netanyahu coalition, as Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Liberman both reject the concept of a minority cabinet.

Eisenkot, who aims to lead the opposition bloc, argues that a government sworn in with 58 or 59 seats could survive an initial confidence vote. Under this legal interpretation, abstentions would allow the new administration to take office without permanent support from 61 members of the Knesset. The cabinet would then work to expand its parliamentary base over time.

Liberman opposes this strategy categorically. He insists on a Zionist majority from the start and refuses to rely on the votes or abstentions of Arab parties. He stated that another election would be preferable to a government that does not meet his conditions, though he has not ruled out the possibility of bringing in Likud members who oppose Benjamin Netanyahu.

Bennett and Yair Lapid, who lead the Beyachad list, share this preference for a unified Zionist government. They also refuse to depend on support from Arab parties. A meeting between Eisenkot and Liberman this week failed to resolve their differences, resulting only in a joint call to increase voter turnout.

While the leadership debate continues, parties are nearing an agreement to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. This move would allow the opposition to control the parliamentary agenda, even if Netanyahu remains as head of a caretaker government. The speaker is elected in a public vote early in the term, and the bloc could secure a majority with the help of MKs from Arab parties.

Several candidates have been discussed for the speakership, including Chili Tropper, Matan Kahana, and Elazar Stern from Eisenkot’s party. Other names include Meirav Ben-Ari, Eitan Ginzburg, Efrat Rayten, and Oded Forer. No consensus candidate has been announced yet.

Liberman estimated that one-third of outgoing coalition MKs might vote against Ohana, provided the vote is public. The bloc also plans to push for a state commission of inquiry into October 7 and changes to conscription law. Obstacles remain, as not all members support every judicial change, and a new speaker does not automatically guarantee a legislative majority.