Netanyahu Considers Alliance with Eisenkot Amid Political Deadlock

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out forming a coalition government with Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot, according to Israeli media reports. The potential alliance comes amid ongoing political uncertainty following recent parliamentary elections.

Sources close to Netanyahu's Likud party stated the prime minister is considering all available options. These sources expressed concern that Eisenkot might join Arab-led parties and ultra-Orthodox factions to create an alternative coalition that could remove Netanyahu from power.

The possibility of an alliance emerged after Israel's October 27 parliamentary elections, which resulted in Netanyahu's bloc losing its parliamentary majority. Netanyahu's coalition secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, down from 68 in the previous parliament.

The opposition bloc led by Eisenkot won 48 seats, while Arab-led parties secured the remaining 19. Together, these groups hold enough seats to form a government, though it remains unclear if they can agree on a common coalition.

Netanyahu has criticized Eisenkot for suggesting an alliance with Arab parties, calling it treason. His comments have faced criticism from political opponents who claim he is attempting to block the formation of an alternative government.

Protesters gathered outside Eisenkot's home, opposing a coalition with Arab-led parties. Other recent demonstrations have called for a Jewish-Arab coalition, reflecting the deepening political divisions in Israel.