Israeli opposition leader says Netanyahu lacks majority, vows to repeal laws threatening democracy

Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot said Tuesday his bloc will swiftly form a national emergency government and repeal laws threatening democracy after the new Knesset is sworn in next week. He spoke ahead of presidential consultations beginning Wednesday. Eisenkot's Yashar party and allied opposition leaders agreed to recommend him to President Isaac Herzog for the mandate to form a government. Election results showed a deadlock, with Netanyahu's bloc winning 53 seats and the opposition 48, though Arab party support could give Eisenkot 67 total recommendations. Eisenkot called Netanyahu a caretaker prime minister lacking a majority, backed by only 46 lawmakers. The opposition aims to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to gain control over parliamentary agenda, even if Netanyahu remains in office temporarily.