Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot is emerging as the frontrunner to lead the change bloc in Israel’s Knesset when the legislature convenes on Tuesday.According to Israeli news outlet N12, Eisenkot is scheduled to hold talks with Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman on Monday to discuss the parliamentary leadership position. Eisenkot is currently considered the leading contender for the role.The proposed meeting comes amid ongoing political consultations following president Isaac Herzog’s decision to entrust Eisenkot with the task of forming Israel’s next government. The two leaders are expected to discuss, who should head the Change Bloc in the Knesset, according to news agency ANI.Eisenkot officially received the mandate on Sunday after securing recommendations from 67 members of the 120-seat Knesset during consultations with various political factions. Those backing him included lawmakers from Yashar, Together, The Democrats, Yisrael Beiteinu and Arab-led parties.After receiving the mandate, Eisenkot called for a new political chapter centred on ‘Zionism, solidarity, and friendship’. He also pledged to form a broad-based national emergency government capable of addressing Israel’s security, diplomatic and domestic challenges.In a post on X, Eisenkot said, ‘Israel needs a new government. Israel needs leadership that champions what unites us and paves the way for a new era—an era of Zionism, solidarity, and friendship.’Describing the situation as a ‘challenging and fateful state of emergency’, he cited ongoing conflicts, military objectives that remain unfulfilled and what he termed a ‘devastating diplomatic crisis’.While handing over the mandate, president Herzog said Eisenkot had secured the ‘clear and unequivocal support’ of a majority of Knesset members and was the candidate with the strongest prospects of forming the next government.However, disagreements have surfaced between Eisenkot and Lieberman over the proposed government’s composition, particularly the possibility of depending on Arab-led parties for parliamentary support.Lieberman has categorically opposed backing a minority government that relies on Arab-led parties, a position that could create further hurdles for Eisenkot as he attempts to build a governing coalition.Eisenkot has 28 days to form the government. President Herzog can grant him an additional extension of up to 14 days if necessary. The meeting with Lieberman is expected to take place a day before the new Knesset is sworn in on Tuesday.