Netanyahu Reportedly Plans to Keep Leading Likud if Eisenkot Forms a Government

Benjamin Netanyahu has told confidants that he intends to remain Likud chairman and lead the opposition if Gadi Eisenkot forms Israel’s next government, according to a report based on political sources. The account describes his private intentions rather than a public announcement, while efforts to assemble a governing majority remain unresolved. Political sources familiar with Likud said the message should not be read as Netanyahu accepting defeat. They described it as an effort to establish his position for the period after a government is formed and prevent a succession contest from opening automatically. The report said there was no current sign of an organized internal revolt or a substantial faction united behind an agreed replacement. The parliamentary arithmetic remains difficult for both sides. Likud won 27 seats and Netanyahu’s allied bloc holds 53, while the opposing Jewish parties hold 48. Ra’am and the Joint List together have 19 seats. Although the latter groups together account for 67 seats, they have not agreed on a coalition. An unnamed Likud source argued that negotiations with the Arab parties could carry political costs for Eisenkot, saying, “There will be a price.” That assessment does not establish what those parties will demand or agree to. The parties are preparing for President Isaac Herzog’s consultations, due to begin Wednesday. No new government has been formed, and the report does not describe an agreed alternative leader inside Likud.