Democrats Prepare to Block Unity Government, Target Key Opposition Figures

The Democratic Party is preparing for the possibility that Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yahadut (Yesh Atid) party, and other leaders of the "Change Bloc" may seek to form a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The party plans to exert public pressure on Knesset members to prevent such a move.

Party Secretary-General Omer Lubi Granot urged grassroots activists in a Zoom call on Friday to prepare not only for the election campaign but also for the period immediately after the polls close. He warned that discussions about a unity government with Netanyahu would intensify significantly once exit polls are released, emphasizing the need to be ready for this scenario.

Granot instructed activists to identify Knesset members from parties within the "Change Bloc" who might support a unity government and to apply public pressure on them. He suggested creating lists of members from the parties of Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, and Gadi Eisenkot, and approaching them directly. Granot stated that the "Change Bloc" should learn from the pressure tactics used by Netanyahu's supporters to form a government that replaces Netanyahu, not joins him.

The Democrats' preparations come amid rising tensions within the "Change Bloc." Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, accused Eisenkot of aiming to form a unity government with Netanyahu, Goldknopf, and Deri. Lieberman claimed in a post that Eisenkot is planning for the post-election period with the goal of gaining leverage in coalition negotiations, prioritizing a strong position to form a government with Netanyahu over being the largest party in the bloc.

Lieberman also criticized Eisenkot's "largest party" campaign, asserting it aims to draw votes from other bloc parties rather than transfer votes to the bloc. He argued this move contradicts agreements made by bloc leaders and harms unity. Lieberman compared Eisenkot's political ambitions to those of former IDF chiefs of staff who entered politics, such as Yigal Allon, Ehud Barak, and Benny Gantz, suggesting military experience does not substitute for political experience.

Eisenkot rejected Lieberman's attacks, urging citizens seeking change to focus on their objective and maintain composure. He stated he is working to attract voters disillusioned with the Netanyahu government, aiming for the "Change Bloc" to secure over 61 Zionist mandates. Eisenkot criticized Lieberman for focusing on internal disputes instead of the shared mission of replacing the government, warning that politicians who prioritize personal interests over the national hour will not be forgiven by the public.