Gadi Eisenkot Prepares for Party 'Rebellion' Amidst Minority Government Plans

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Party, is preparing for potential dissent and defections within his party should he attempt to form a minority Zionist government without a 61-seat majority and with the abstention of Arab parties. A two-stage plan is being developed to prevent a 'Bennett scenario,' according to a Channel 12 report by Amit Segal. The first stage involves drafting an ethical code requiring Knesset members to adhere to party discipline. Those unable to do so due to conscience would be required to resign from the Knesset. Eisenkot has reportedly told potential candidates that he himself resigned from the Knesset when he disagreed with his party's actions and expects the same from Yisrael Party candidates if necessary.

The concern over defections stems from Eisenkot's plan to form a minority Zionist government, abstaining from coalition negotiations with Arab parties, if the 'change bloc' fails to secure 61 mandates. Previously, campaign manager Ronen Menelis suggested having all candidates sign a document pledging not to become 'Silman', meaning they would not leave the faction if a government formation plan was proposed. The party ultimately decided against this measure.

This consideration arose due to claims within Eisenkot's camp against certain candidates, including Elissaf Peretz, Shira Shapira, and Chili Tropper, who were suspected of potentially opposing the move and defecting. This situation echoes the experience of Idit Silman, former coalition chairwoman in the Bennett-Lapid government, whose April 2022 resignation from the coalition left the government without a Knesset majority and contributed to its eventual collapse and new elections.