Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot said Friday that talks to form a national emergency government had advanced significantly and voiced optimism he could secure a mandate early next week, Daily Sabah reported, citing Anadolu.

On X, the Yashar party leader said Israel faces a “real, tangible and dangerous emergency” and called for a swift transfer of power so Benjamin Netanyahu does not remain as caretaker. He said 74 of the Knesset’s 120 members had not expressed confidence in Netanyahu continuing, versus 46 who support him.

Eisenkot said his team held dozens of hours of talks with opposition parties and made “significant progress and breakthroughs” toward an emergency coalition. He proposed four principles: Israel as a Jewish and democratic state; the values of the Declaration of Independence; military, national or civilian service for all; and recognising Hamas as a terrorist organisation while committing to dismantle its military and governing capabilities.

He said he would invite all factions and lawmakers who accept those principles. Another election, he warned, would prolong uncertainty and leave Netanyahu as caretaker.

The remarks came a day after President Isaac Herzog said he would decide Sunday whom to task with forming a government. After consultations, factions representing 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot, against 46 for Netanyahu.

The 27 October elections left a fragmented Knesset: Netanyahu’s bloc 53 seats, the Jewish opposition 48, Arab-led parties 19 — short of a 61-seat majority.

Source: Eisenkot reports progress in Israeli government coalition talks (Daily Sabah)