Eisenkot-led bloc agrees on key Knesset posts, putting pressure on Netanyahu

The opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot has struck a deal for senior positions in Israel’s parliament as it ramps up moves against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while the country remains deadlocked in negotiations to form a government.

According to the report, the bloc has reached an agreement to field former minister Matan Kahana as its candidate for next Knesset speaker. Former defence minister Avigdor Lieberman will lead the powerful Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, the report said.

The accord unites five opposition party leaders, including Eisenkot, Bennett, Golan, Lieberman and Lapid.

The shift could enable the opposition to push through legislation and oust Netanyahu ally Amir Ohana as speaker even before a new government is in place.

Israel’s new parliament was sworn in on Tuesday after an October election that cost Netanyahu’s ruling alliance its majority. His Likud-led coalition has 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, while Eisenkot’s partners have 48, and 19 more are held by Arab-led parties, Reuters reported.

President Isaac Herzog appointed Eisenkot to negotiate a new government, but he has a long way to go before establishing a coalition. Netanyahu is serving as caretaker prime minister while he and his rivals try to reach an understanding.