Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot announced plans to form what he called a 'Zionist military government' after approximately 90 percent of votes were counted in the Knesset elections. Speaking via his social media account, Eisenkot said the Israeli public had clearly demonstrated it no longer trusts the government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, which he referred to as the 'October 7 government.'
Eisenot said that after an intensive period of meetings, negotiations and preparations, the time had come to act on voters' will. "We are focused on the heavy responsibility of bringing change to Israel and establishing a Zionist military government," he stated, adding that the political bloc made up of those who evade military service had sunk to its lowest level in 20 years.
Addressing his supporters, Eisenkot declared, "Together we have made history. In just one year we built a new party that unites Israelis and offers a capable, responsible alternative to power. We will work and we will succeed — I promise you that." He also acknowledged the weight of the trust placed in him by hundreds of thousands of citizens who believe in Israel and Zionism.
His repeated use of the phrase 'Zionist military' was widely interpreted as a signal that he would not seek cooperation with Arab parties, which secured 19 seats in the Knesset. The Israeli Central Elections Committee reported a voter turnout of 77.7 percent — an increase of 7.1 percentage points compared to the 2022 elections and the highest participation rate recorded since 1999.
