End the October 7 Government: Eisenkot's Four Conditions for a Post-Netanyahu Era

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, has defined the terms for forming a new Israeli government, placing the recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization at the center of his platform. Eisenkot seeks to use the opposition's parliamentary strength to end the administration of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He posted the conditions on X on Saturday, stating that any elected official who accepts these principles can join his proposed broad Zionist government.

The four core requirements include recognizing Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal, and egalitarian state. Eisenkot also demands adherence to the values of the Declaration of Independence. His third condition calls for compulsory military or civilian national service for all citizens. The final condition requires the new government to commit to dismantling the military and governing capabilities of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Eisenkot argued that the recent election results provide a clear mandate for change. He noted that a majority of Israeli voters, by a margin of more than half a million votes, rejected the outgoing government. He described the current administration as the government of October 7, referencing its handling of the failures surrounding the Hamas-led attack in 2023. Eisenkot pledged to move quickly to implement this shift in power.

Among the immediate legislative actions he plans to pursue is the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7. He also intends to make national service compulsory for all Israelis and to repeal the judicial overhaul laws passed by the outgoing coalition. Eisenkot called for an extraordinary effort to avoid another election and a prolonged political crisis.

The election has produced a hung parliament in the 120-member Knesset. Neither side holds the 61 seats required for a governing majority. Anti-Netanyahu parties secured a total of 67 seats, while the outgoing coalition won 53. However, the opposition total is split between 48 seats held by Zionist parties and 19 won by the two Arab-led parties, the Joint List and Ra'am.

Netanyahu's Likud party emerged as the largest single party with 27 seats. Eisenkot's Yashar party finished second with 21 seats. This numerical advantage does not guarantee a stable government due to the lack of a clear majority. Several Jewish opposition leaders remain reluctant to formally cooperate with Arab parties, creating a potential obstacle to coalition building.

Eisenkot stated that the door to his government is open to every elected official who accepts his four principles. He emphasized that the Knesset, not the executive branch, grants confidence to a government. He vowed to work with his partners to expand the coalition and improve the internal and international standing of Israel.

Until a new government is sworn in, Eisenkot said he would support military moves only in response to direct and immediate threats that cannot wait. He described the coming weeks as complex, filled with potential manipulation and lies. He committed to acting with courage and creativity to translate the will of the voters.