Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly feeling heightened anxiety regarding the potential for opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to replace him as caretaker prime minister. This assertion was made by former adviser Nir Hefetz during an interview on 103FM. Hefetz described the current atmosphere surrounding Netanyahu as one of panic, suggesting that it significantly influences his decision-making processes.

The remarks come in the wake of Eisenkot, a former chief of the Israeli military, reaching an agreement with four opposition leaders on key roles within the Knesset. This coalition aims to strengthen their efforts to unseat Netanyahu and establish a new government.

The agreement includes Naftali Bennett, Yair Golan, Avigdor Liberman, and Yair Lapid, who have collectively nominated Matan Kahana, a member of Eisenkot’s Yashar party, for the position of Speaker of the Knesset. Liberman is set to lead the influential Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, while Liran Avisar Ben Horin from Bennett’s B’Yachad party has been nominated to chair the Finance Committee, making her the first woman to hold this role.

Details of the Opposition Agreement

The coalition agreement followed extensive negotiations regarding the speakership. Initially, Bennett and Liberman supported Lapid for the role, but Eisenkot insisted on a candidate from his own party. Reports indicate that an agreement between Eisenkot and Liberman was finalised on Monday.

The opposition bloc is keen to replace the current Speaker, Amir Ohana, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, as soon as possible. Ohana has indicated he would arrange a vote for his successor within a week if a majority of lawmakers formally request it. The 26th Knesset was scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday, following the elections held on October 27.

Netanyahu’s governing bloc secured 53 seats in the 120-member legislature, while the opposition parties obtained 48 seats. Arab-led parties hold the remaining 19 seats. Eisenkot received the mandate to form the next government from President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, having gained recommendations from lawmakers representing 67 seats, compared to 46 for Netanyahu.

Potential Implications for Netanyahu’s Future

Hefetz highlighted the intense atmosphere in the Prime Minister’s Office during periods of political uncertainty, noting frequent urgent calls from Netanyahu’s family. He suggested that losing power would be particularly challenging for Netanyahu and his family, given the status and privileges associated with the prime ministership.

Hefetz also speculated that Netanyahu’s call for a national unity government might be a strategic move to impede Eisenkot’s progress in forming an alternative administration. The dynamics of coalition negotiations could shift, particularly with the ultra-Orthodox parties, which hold 13 seats and have traditionally allied with Netanyahu.

In addition, Hefetz compared Eisenkot to former prime minister Naftali Bennett, asserting that Netanyahu perceives Eisenkot as a more formidable political rival. He noted Eisenkot’s reputation and credibility as potential assets in securing support from coalition partners, particularly the ultra-Orthodox parties.

Furthermore, Hefetz raised concerns about the implications of Netanyahu losing office on his ongoing corruption trial, suggesting that the court’s handling of his case might change significantly if he were to move to the opposition. The potential for stricter attendance requirements in court could pose additional challenges for Netanyahu.

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