Speaking at his party’s headquarters on Tuesday (October 27), following the conclusion of voting in Israel’s general election, Eisenkot urged officials in the country’s security forces and government administration to put the interests of the state and its citizens above all else.
Exit polls released by major Israeli television channels indicated that Netanyahu’s Likud Party would emerge as the largest single party. However, neither the pro-Netanyahu bloc nor the anti-Netanyahu bloc appeared likely to secure an outright majority in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.
As a result, the seats held by two Arab-led parties have become crucial to efforts to form the next government.
“These are still just exit polls; we must wait for the final vote count,” Eisenkot said. “However, it is already clear that tonight, a larger, stronger, and more responsible Zionist majority has emerged in opposition to Netanyahu.”
He argued that the election results reflected a public demand for political change and a loss of confidence in Netanyahu’s coalition.
“The people have voted for change. Netanyahu’s coalition has lost the public’s trust. The Israeli people have voted against Netanyahu continuing to serve as Prime Minister,” he said.
Eisenkot called on Netanyahu to accept what he described as the public’s verdict of no confidence and step away from politics. He also warned against holding another election, citing the high voter turnout.
“Given the high voter turnout, it would be a mistake to hold another election,” he said.
Eisenkot Pledges Efforts to Form New Government
Discussing the formation of the next government, Eisenkot said he would work to establish a government that serves all sections of Israeli society.
“I will do my utmost to help form a Zionist government that serves everyone,” he said.
He stated that such a government would support a policy of universal military conscription and seek to dismantle Hamas. He also stressed the need to respect and recognize the different segments of Israeli society.
Addressing members of the security forces and government officials, Eisenkot urged them to act in the interests of the country and its citizens.
“Act solely in the interest of the state and the citizens of Israel,” he said.
Eisenkot further declared that a period marked by failures, falsehoods and the avoidance of responsibility should come to an end.
“The era of shirking responsibility, failure, and falsehoods has come to an end,” he said, adding that the outcome should be viewed not as a victory for one political camp over another, but as a victory for the Israeli people as a whole.
Government Formation Remains Uncertain
Despite the indications from the exit polls, the election outcome remains uncertain until the final votes are counted and official results are announced.
With neither major political bloc apparently securing a clear parliamentary majority, negotiations and the positions of smaller parties, including the two Arab-led parties, are expected to play a significant role in determining the formation of Israel’s next government.
END/SMA/AJ
