Eisenkot Suggests Possible Minority Government Backed by Arab Parties; Gantz Distances Himself as Right-Wing Leaders Attack

A political storm erupted tonight after Yesh Atid chairman Gadi Eisenkot hinted that the opposition could form a government even with only 57–58 seats, widely interpreted as a signal that he would consider relying on external support or abstentions from Arab parties.

Eisenkot made the remarks on Channel 12’s “Meet the Press,” saying that the opposition “will know how to form a government even with 57 or 58 votes.” The comment triggered fierce criticism from both coalition leaders and factions within the opposition itself, beginning with an immediate rebuke from National Unity chairman Benny Gantz.

Gantz quickly moved to push back on Eisenkot’s suggestion, warning that a minority government was not a viable option. “Gadi, my friend, we have already been in that movie of trying to swear in a minority government. It wasn’t realistic then, and it’s even less realistic after October 7. What Israel needs is a broad Zionist government of 70 members of Knesset, not a transitional government dependent on the Arab parties that will bring us Ben Gvir with 20 seats,” he said.

Likud leaders seized on the disagreement to accuse the opposition of preparing to collaborate with Arab factions. In a sharply worded statement, the party charged: “The alliance of the dangerous: the opposition is once again joining with the Muslim Brotherhood. Eisenkot exposed the real plan—relying on anti-Zionist Arab parties to form the next government.”

Likud added that “whether through outside support or direct partnership, such a government would be dependent on the Muslim Brotherhood—a dangerous pattern from which no lessons have been learned since October 7.”

Coalition chairman Ofir Katz also attacked Eisenkot’s remarks, tying them to other recent statements from across the opposition. “Yair Golan already said that potential partners include Mansour Abbas and even Ayman Odeh. Yair Lapid opposes a law preventing terror supporters from running for office. And now Eisenkot says it openly. Is there anyone left who still doesn’t understand that the ‘Anyone but Bibi’ bloc plans to form a government with Abbas and Tibi?” he said.

{Matzav.com}