Conflict in opposition escalates ahead of elections due to Netanyahu

Two weeks before the Knesset elections, disagreements among Israeli opposition leaders have intensified over the possible participation of Netanyahu and Likud in the future government. Naftali Bennett initially allowed such a scenario but, after criticism from allies, stated he would not sit at the same table with Netanyahu. Other leaders—Eisenkot, Golan, Lieberman—are categorically opposed. Benny Gantz supported a national unity government with Likud.

Two weeks before the parliamentary elections in Israel, scheduled for October 27, disagreements among opposition leaders have intensified over the possible participation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party in the future government. The trigger was statements by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who initially allowed such a scenario on condition that Netanyahu accept a series of political demands, including the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7. After criticism from allies, Bennett clarified that he does not intend to participate in a government with the current prime minister: 'We will not sit with him at the same table in any format.' The head of the Yashar party, Gadi Eisenkot, stated that politicians who held leadership positions at the time of the October 7 attack should not regain command authority. The chairman of the Democrats party, Yair Golan, ruled out the possibility of appointing Netanyahu to any position. The leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, Avigdor Lieberman, called on colleagues to unequivocally refuse cooperation with the head of Likud. The only leader who supported the idea of cooperation with Likud was the chairman of the Blue and White party, Benny Gantz, who advocated for a national unity government. According to polls, Netanyahu's bloc receives 51-53 seats, the opposition Zionist camp receives 51-55, and 61 seats are needed to form a government.