Israeli Minister Miki Zohar Suggests Rotation With Gadi Eisenkot
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Minister Miki Zohar stated he would propose a prime ministerial rotation with Gadi Eisenkot if Eisenkot wins more mandates and bloc support, with Benjamin Netanyahu serving first. Zohar cited Netanyahu's unique ability to complete regional missions as the reason. This contradicts skepticism within Likud regarding unity government possibilities, though discussions about rotation and even advancing Netanyahu to the presidency have occurred internally. Other Likud sources and the "change bloc" deny any overtures, and the President's Residence denies any involvement.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Minister Miki Zohar would propose a rotation with Gadi Eisenkot if Eisenkot leads in mandates and bloc size.
- Zohar stipulated that Benjamin Netanyahu would serve as prime minister first in any rotation scenario.
- The minister cited Netanyahu's unique ability to complete the mission in the Middle East.
- The statement contrasts with skepticism expressed by other Likud party members about unity governments.
- Internal Likud discussions reportedly considered advancing Netanyahu to the presidency as part of a rotation deal.
- The President's Residence denied any involvement or discussions regarding a unity government.
Minister Miki Zohar has stated that in a scenario where Gadi Eisenkot leads in both Knesset seats and bloc size, he would propose a rotation of the prime minister position with Eisenkot, provided Benjamin Netanyahu serves first. Zohar explained his reasoning by asserting that Netanyahu is uniquely capable of completing the mission in the Middle East. This statement comes amid skepticism within the Likud party regarding the feasibility of a unity government, a possibility previously explored by the party and reported by Maariv Online.
During an interview on Channel HaKnesset, Zohar responded to a question about potential unity governments if Eisenkot secured more mandates and a better chance of forming a government. He reiterated his willingness to propose a rotation under such circumstances, emphasizing Netanyahu's initial term due to his perceived ability to fulfill the mission in the region.
Discussions within Likud have previously considered a broad government with a rotation between Netanyahu and Eisenkot. A key question raised in closed-door analyses has been what Netanyahu could offer Eisenkot to secure his agreement to such a deal and ensure its fulfillment, referencing the precedent of the Netanyahu-Gantz government. One suggestion reportedly discussed among Likud figures was advancing Netanyahu to the presidency, creating an agreed-upon exit strategy for him and a political guarantee for transferring the premiership to Eisenkot.
However, other Likud party sources have distanced themselves from the idea of a unity government, stating that no practical overtures have been made. Sources within the "change bloc" also reported no contact on the matter. The President's Residence issued a strong denial of the publications, stating the President has not discussed a unity government with any candidate or Knesset member and is not currently involved in government composition discussions, which will occur after election results are received.
