Eisenkot moves closer to ousting Netanyahu, but his path to power faces hurdles

Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot is poised to be tasked with forming Israel's next government after securing endorsements from 67 parliamentarians, surpassing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 46. President Isaac Herzog is expected to announce the mandate on Sunday, though Eisenkot's path to a governing majority remains uncertain. Eisenkot's change bloc, comprising four Zionist parties, holds 48 seats in the 120-seat Knesset and needs 61 for a majority. Possible routes include partnering with ultra-Orthodox parties like United Torah Judaism, which has signaled openness, or relying on Arab parties, though both face internal opposition from bloc members like Avigdor Lieberman. A unity government with Netanyahu's bloc appears ruled out by change bloc leaders, who have pledged to replace him. If Eisenkot fails within 28 days, plus a possible 14-day extension, another candidate could try or new elections may be called.