Opposition parties weigh complex routes to unseat Netanyahu after election

Polling ahead of Tuesday's vote shows the opposition alliance of Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Liberman and Yair Golan holding a modest lead over Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc, though they fall short of the 61 seats needed for a majority government. The four parties have yet to settle on a prime-ministerial nominee, and their divergent bases—from Liberman's right-wing supporters to Golan's far-left voters—make coalition agreements on policy and ministerial portfolios difficult.

Smaller groups like the Reservists-Economic Party, led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha, and Ofer Winter's Amcha Yisrael could provide extra seats, but their conditions on universal conscription and opposition to Haredi or Arab partners create further friction. Analysts suggest the opposition might instead aim to control the Knesset, replace the speaker, and push legislation such as an Oct. 7 inquiry, or consider a minority government that would need strategic abstentions. A national unity government with Likud remains a remote option, as key opposition leaders have ruled out serving under Netanyahu or joining his coalition.