Haaretz Analyst Outlines Four Scenarios for Israeli Government Formation

Haaretz political analyst Raffi Drucker has presented four potential scenarios for forming an Israeli government following the upcoming elections, despite expectations of potential new elections and a transitional government. The first scenario suggests that Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, could form a coalition with the Likud party, along with Ofir Winter and the Handel-Zelicha party, provided they pass the electoral threshold. This would likely involve political concessions and ministerial posts. The second scenario posits that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might seek to include former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman in his coalition, offering concessions and possibly a rotation agreement for the premiership. The third scenario, according to Drucker's analysis, involves Eisenkot attempting to bring Likud members into a government led by him, with Netanyahu remaining outside but retaining political influence over the coalition members. The fourth scenario envisions Eisenkot forming a minority government that relies on Arab parties abstaining from voting against it. This temporary government would aim to establish an official investigation committee and pass a conscription law, with the intention of expanding the coalition later. Drucker believes the success of any of these scenarios hinges on the election results, Netanyahu's post-election political strength, and the stance of the Haredi parties on potential coalitions.