Israel 2026 Verdict: Opposition Unites Behind Gadi Eisenkot To Oust Netanyahu, But Divided Over Arab Kingmakers — 53 vs 48 vs 19

Israel election results: Opposition backs Eisenkot to oust Netanyahu, remains split over Arab parties

Israeli opposition leaders have agreed to back former military chief Gadi Eisenkot as prime minister, promising to replace Benjamin Netanyahu's government as quickly as possible.

The five party heads met on Tuesday in the city of Herzliya, north of Tel Aviv, in their first joint meeting since the October 27 election, which left neither bloc with a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

 Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 seats, opposition 48, Arab-led parties 19. Arab turnout surged from 38% in 2022 to nearly 80% — nearly 840,000 voted for Ra'am and Joint List, up 64%.

 The opposition will still be 5 short even with Ra'am (48+8=56) and needs Joint List outside support or defectors or ultra-Orthodox, but ultra-Orthodox unlikely as conscripting them and reforming religious schools was major promise of Eisenkot bloc.

 President Isaac Herzog to receive certified results Nov 4, begin consultations. If talks fail, another election possible  sixth since 2019 cycle?