Likud Accuses Opposition Leader of Needing Arab Parties for Coalition

The Likud party intensified its attacks on Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, claiming he cannot form a government without the support of "change bloc" parties and Arab parties. In a statement, Likud asserted that Eisenkot is lying and that his path to a coalition requires cooperation with Yair Golan, Avigdor Lieberman, Naftali Bennett, and Arab parties. This aligns with Likud's campaign strategy to focus not only on the next prime minister but also on the composition of the post-election coalition.

The question of potential partners in the next government has become a sensitive issue within the bloc aiming to replace Benjamin Netanyahu. While Eisenkot, Bennett, Lieberman, Yair Lapid, and Yair Golan are identified with forming an alternative government, deep disagreements exist regarding coalition makeup, the prime ministerial candidate, and the possibility of relying on Arab parties for a majority. Likud seeks to exploit these divisions, presenting a scenario where any alternative government would necessitate broad cooperation among disparate parties.

Eisenkot himself is at the center of the struggle for leadership within the "change bloc." He has criticized Bennett and Lieberman for their disagreements on selecting a consensus prime ministerial candidate, arguing it harms the bloc's chances of uniting. Meanwhile, Yisrael Beiteinu has also criticized Eisenkot, demanding clarity on his potential coalition partners. These internal conflicts have made the future coalition a central theme in Likud's campaign.

A significant obstacle is Avigdor Lieberman's stance; he has made it clear that Arab Knesset members are unacceptable as coalition partners or for supporting a minority government. This position limits coalition-building options if neither bloc secures a 61-seat majority independently. Lieberman has consistently opposed sitting with Arab parties and joining a government reliant on ultra-Orthodox parties.

The possibility of cooperation with the Ra'am party has also become a point of contention. Reports emerged last week of Arab mayors claiming Eisenkot discussed including Ra'am in a future government, which National Unity Party denied outright. This dispute highlights the sensitivity surrounding any mention of cooperation with Arab parties, as it is immediately weaponized in the conflict between Likud and the "change bloc."

Likud's strategy is to frame the election as a choice between two potential coalitions: one led by Netanyahu and another that would necessitate reliance on Arab parties, thereby sharpening the distinctions for right-wing voters. Conversely, "change bloc" parties argue this is a fear-mongering campaign creating a false impression of a pre-arranged coalition, as the government's composition and prime ministerial candidate remain undecided. The tension is expected to escalate with a planned meeting of opposition leaders, excluding Ra'am's chairman, to discuss coordination, which Likud may use as further campaign fodder while simultaneously demonstrating the opposition's efforts to forge consensus.

Underlying these accusations is a fundamental political challenge: recent polls indicate neither bloc is likely to achieve a clear 61-seat majority alone. Thus, coalition partners are almost as crucial as the prime minister. Likud leverages this to argue that Eisenkot and his camp have not presented a clear coalition formula. The "change bloc" counters that the election is ongoing and the final government composition will depend on the results. Likud's statement against Eisenkot is part of a broader, intensifying campaign as elections approach, focusing on three key questions: the "change bloc's" leading candidate, potential coalition partners, and the possibility of reaching 61 seats without Arab party support. Eisenkot, Bennett, Lieberman, and Golan will need to navigate not only Likud's attacks but also their internal disagreements.