Israel's Opposition Pledges New Government Without Netanyahu but Faces Coalition Hurdles

Israel's opposition bloc pledged Tuesday to replace Benjamin Netanyahu's outgoing coalition with a "national emergency government," but did not explain how it would secure a parliamentary majority. The bloc holds 48 seats versus 53 for Netanyahu's camp. The five "change bloc" leaders, headed by centrist Gadi Eisenkot, met for the first time since the October 27 elections produced no clear majority. They remain divided on allying with Arab Israeli parties, whose 11 seats could provide the 61-seat threshold, though a "Zionist government" pledge suggests excluding them from direct participation. Arab party leader Youssef Jabareen said he would support an anti-Netanyahu government from outside. The bloc also left room for partnering with ultra-Orthodox parties if they accept military conscription, and accused Netanyahu of a "dangerous campaign" undermining election legitimacy without evidence. President Isaac Herzog begins consultations Wednesday.