Tel Aviv:Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has declared his firm intention to resign "within an hour" if required to serve under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, dismissing the possibility of any power-sharing agreement between them.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Israel is poised for general elections on October 27, with opinion polls suggesting that neither Netanyahu's bloc nor Eisenkot's opposition camp is likely to achieve a majority necessary to form a government.

Eisenkot emphasized his stance during a conversation with local radio station 103 FM, stating, "I categorically pledge that I will not serve under Netanyahu, not even under a rotation arrangement, and if that happens, I will resign after one hour." This declaration arises amidst speculations of a potential national unity government if neither faction secures the 61 seats out of 120 needed for governance.

Further discussions involve the possibility of Netanyahu and Eisenkot alternating as prime minister in a government that excludes the far-right Jewish Power party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Theoretical alliances with Palestinian parties entering the Knesset have been considered, though both blocs have thus far rejected this idea.

Palestinians comprise over 20% of Israel's population, which exceeds 10 million. Additionally, Eisenkot, a former chief of staff of the Israeli army, refrained from committing to declaring Qatar an enemy state, a suggestion made by Naftali Bennett, opposition Together party leader and former Prime Minister.

Eisenkot remarked, "It would not be serious to simply say in a media interview that I would declare Qatar a hostile state. We will hold a serious discussion on this matter." Allegations by Israeli ministers and opposition leaders accuse Qatar of supporting Hamas in the Gaza Strip, claims denied by Doha, which asserts its aid to Palestinians is humanitarian and coordinated through Tel Aviv and the UN.

Netanyahu has led the current government since late December 2022, presiding over what is considered the most right-wing coalition in Israel's history. He faces ongoing charges of corruption, bribery, and breach of trust in three cases, alongside an International Criminal Court warrant since 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip, where more than 74,000 people have reportedly been killed since October 2023.