Eisenkot Sets Four Coalition Demands for Netanyahu and Likud

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yashar!" party, has outlined four conditions for potential partners in a future coalition government, explicitly ruling out a rotation of the prime minister's office. Eisenkot stated that the leader of the party with the most mandates after the election should become prime minister. His conditions for coalition participation include recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, upholding the values of the Declaration of Independence, accepting the obligation of military service, and designating Hamas as a terrorist organization that must be eliminated.

Eisenkot rejected the possibility of a government with a rotating premiership, advocating instead for a single prime minister to serve a full four-year term, a stance he has held even when his party's poll numbers were lower. This position directly counters reports from "Maariv" suggesting that the Likud party is considering a rotation scenario between Benjamin Netanyahu and Eisenkot, potentially with Netanyahu moving to the presidency. Eisenkot mentioned he had previously proposed this principle of the largest party's leader becoming prime minister to Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman.

Regarding potential coalition partners, Eisenkot specified that any party wishing to join a government led by him must accept Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, adhere to the Declaration of Independence, and acknowledge the duty of service. A crucial new condition, developed over the past month, is the explicit recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization slated for elimination. Eisenkot expressed doubt that any Arab party would meet this criterion, stating, "Therefore, I do not see an Arab party that accepts my principles."

Addressing current poll numbers that do not show a clear majority for any bloc without Arab parties, Eisenkot expressed confidence that election results will significantly exceed current projections. He indicated that his bloc, which includes parties like Bennett's, Lieberman's, and Yair Golan's "Democrats," aims to secure 63-64 mandates. He also commented on Ofir Vinter of "Am Ech Yisrael," whose party supports Netanyahu, suggesting a contradiction in Vinter's public statements and political choices, particularly concerning the conscription law and Vinter's support for a politician who previously promoted draft evasion. Eisenkot stated he does not foresee Vinter joining any future coalition.