Gadi Eisenkot Plans Measures to Prevent Defections in Potential Minority Government

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar!" party, is developing a comprehensive plan to prevent Knesset members from defecting if he forms a minority government relying on the abstention of Arab parties. The proposed mechanism involves a two-stage process. Initially, a binding ethical code will be drafted, requiring all candidates to adhere to party discipline. Any member unable to comply for reasons of conscience would be obligated to return their mandate and resign from the Knesset immediately.

During discussions with party candidates, Eisenkot emphasized his expectations, citing his own past resignation when he disagreed with his faction's actions. He clarified that if a 61-member majority cannot be secured, he intends to implement the "Eisenkot plan": establishing a Zionist minority government that would depend on the abstention of Arab parties without formal coalition negotiations with them.

The concern about potential defections stems from reservations within Eisenkot's camp regarding certain candidates, including Elissaf Perez, Shira Shapira, and Chili Tropper. Previously, campaign manager Ronen Menelis had revealed that the idea of having all candidates sign a commitment document to prevent future defections was considered but ultimately discarded.