Eisenkot outlines four conditions for coalition partners as he seeks a broad Zionist government.
Oct 31, 2026
Israeli opposition Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot outlined four conditions Saturday for joining a proposed “broad Zionist government,” inviting elected officials who accept his principles to help form a coalition after Tuesday’s inconclusive election.
In a statement issued after meeting opposition leader Yair Lapid, Eisenkot said he would work with his political partners to broaden cooperation and prevent another election, according to Ynet, as reported by Anadolu.
“On the basis of these principles, I intend to establish a broad Zionist government committed to the national interest,” he said.
His first condition is recognition of Israel as a “Jewish, democratic, liberal and egalitarian state.” The second is a commitment to the values of Israel’s Declaration of Independence.
The third requires mandatory military, national or civilian service for all Israeli citizens. Eisenkot also identified introducing that requirement as an immediate priority for his proposed government.
His fourth condition is “recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization whose military and governing capabilities in Gaza must be dismantled.”
“The door to the government we establish will be open to any elected official who accepts these principles and is prepared to rise to the occasion,” he said.
Eisenkot did not name prospective coalition partners or announce that additional parties had accepted his terms.
No Majority
The conditions set out Eisenkot’s proposed basis for negotiations, but his existing parliamentary allies cannot form a government on their own.
The completed election count gave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc 53 seats, the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot 48 and Arab parties 19 in the 120-member Knesset.
A parliamentary majority requires 61 seats, leaving Netanyahu’s camp eight short and Eisenkot’s bloc 13 short.
The opposition and Arab parties together hold 67 seats. However, the Arab parties are outside the opposition bloc, and the combined figure does not represent an agreed coalition.
Eisenkot said high voter turnout and the challenges facing Israel required political leaders to work to avoid another election.
“On October 27, the public had its say,” Eisenkot said. “The composition of Israel’s next government must be determined solely by Israeli citizens, without outside interference or manipulation.”
Judicial Overhaul Legislation
Alongside his coalition conditions, Eisenkot outlined priorities for a new government, including establishing a state commission of inquiry and repealing legislation associated with the Netanyahu government’s judicial overhaul.
He also pledged to expand military personnel numbers and improve benefits and recognition for those serving.
Eisenkot emphasized the Knesset’s authority in determining whether a government can take power.
“Don’t let anyone mislead you: In Israel, it is the Knesset that gives the government its vote of confidence, not the other way around,” he said.
Limits on Military Action
Eisenkot also addressed the possibility of further military action against Iran before a new government is formed, saying his support would be restricted to threats requiring an immediate response.
“Until the new government is formed, I will support military action only in response to direct and immediate threats against Israel that cannot wait until the government is sworn in,” he said.
The statement established a condition for his support during coalition negotiations, while leaving open backing for operations that meet that threshold.
His remarks came as neither main political camp had secured enough parliamentary support to govern, leaving the formation of the next government dependent on negotiations beyond their existing alliances.
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