Eisenkot Plans Minority Government Backed by Arab Party Abstentions

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, is developing a plan to prevent future lawmakers from his party from leaving the parliamentary group if a minority government is formed. This initiative would begin with the adoption of a binding code of ethics, requiring each candidate to commit to party discipline. Any lawmaker refusing to comply for reasons of conscience would have to relinquish their mandate and immediately resign from the Knesset. During discussions with his party's candidates, Eisenkot reportedly recalled his own past resignation from a mandate when he disagreed with his faction's decisions.

Eisenkot has also outlined a political scenario for a situation without a 61-seat majority. His proposal involves forming a "Zionist" minority government that would remain in power through the abstention of Arab parties during the investiture vote, without negotiating their entry into the coalition. This strategy, however, is reportedly causing concern within his own camp. Several individuals with reserved spots on the party list, including Elisaf Peretz, Shira Shapira, and Hili Troper, are said to be considering expressing reservations about this approach.

Ronen Manelis, the campaign director, had previously indicated that a written commitment to prevent defections was considered but ultimately abandoned.