Gadi Eisenkot's Coalition Math Hinges on Arab Parties, Analyst Argues
Political analyst Mati Tuchfeld argues that regardless of whether Gadi Eisenkot, a prominent figure in the National Unity party, made a commitment to include the Arab Ra'am party in a future government, the mathematical reality of Israeli politics necessitates such a coalition. Tuchfeld asserts that any government formed by the center-left bloc, led by figures like Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, cannot achieve a majority in the Knesset without the support of Arab parties, specifically mentioning Ra'am, Hadash-Ta'al, and Balad.
Eisenkot, who is reportedly attempting to project a statesmanlike and unifying image, is presented as understanding this political arithmetic. Tuchfeld contends that even if Eisenkot's party garners significant electoral support, it cannot overcome the right-wing bloc without external or internal backing from these Arab factions. This dependency, according to the analysis, is not a matter of interpretation but a fundamental aspect of Knesset mathematics.
The article highlights a reported claim that Eisenkot promised Bedouin local council leaders that Ra'am would be included in the next government. While acknowledging this might be a political spin, Tuchfeld insists it reflects an open secret within the Israeli left, which avoids discussing it during election campaigns for fear of alienating centrist voters.
Tuchfeld warns that a government reliant on Ra'am, a party with roots in the Islamic Movement, would make this party the deciding factor on critical security, budget, and appointment decisions. He cites the previous Bennett-Lapid government as an example of the potential consequences, including a freeze on demolishing illegal construction in the Negev, large, unsupervised budget allocations, and political extortion during coalition crises.
Ultimately, the analysis frames the upcoming election not around Eisenkot's specific commitments, but around whether the Israeli electorate understands that voting for Eisenkot's party effectively means voting for a government dependent on Ra'am.
