Israeli opposition nears coalition deal to oust Netanyahu

Israel's opposition said Friday it is making progress in its bid to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after a key leader dropped his veto on military service demands for ultra-Orthodox Jews, enabling a potential alliance. Opposition chief Gadi Eisenkot said he expects President Isaac Herzog to grant him the mandate to form a government on Sunday, following the October 27 election that left neither Netanyahu nor his rivals with a majority. Eisenkot cited "significant progress and breakthroughs," while left-wing leader Yair Golan expressed increased optimism. The opposition could potentially form a coalition with Israeli-Arabs, though partner Avigdor Liberman refuses to work with them. Liberman, who ran on ending ultra-Orthodox military exemptions, called for talks with the community, saying "the national interest must take precedence." Ultra-Orthodox parties, holding 13 seats, welcomed the shift and could bring Eisenkot to power. Netanyahu has long relied on the ultra-Orthodox, whose military exemption has fueled resentment amid ongoing wars since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.