Eisenkot and Lieberman Agree to Continue Cooperation Amidst Bloc Tensions
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman met and agreed to continue their cooperation within the Change Bloc ahead of elections, despite internal disputes. Tensions arose over coalition composition, with Yisrael Beiteinu suspecting Eisenkot and Yair Golan of secretly negotiating with Ra'am. The bloc is divided on whether to commit to a coalition with only Zionist parties or a "serving coalition."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman agreed to continue cooperation within the Change Bloc.
- The Change Bloc faces internal disputes over the composition of a future coalition.
- Yisrael Beiteinu suspects Eisenkot and Yair Golan of secret talks with Ra'am.
- A proposal for a coalition with only Zionist parties was met with opposition.
- A "serving coalition" comprising parties supporting military or civil service was suggested.
Following a sharp confrontation and suspicions of behind-the-scenes coordination with Ra'am, Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman met and agreed to continue their cooperation ahead of the elections. However, disagreements regarding the composition of a future coalition still loom over the Change Bloc.
Earlier in the week, Yisrael Beiteinu approached all partners in the Change Bloc, proposing a joint declaration by opposition leaders. The draft, according to faction chairman Oded Forer, stated that the bloc's leaders would commit to forming a coalition with Zionist parties only. However, Forer claims that aides to Eisenkot and Yair Golan opposed this wording, suggesting instead a commitment to a "serving coalition" composed of parties supporting military or civil service.
Sources indicate a "war to the death" is underway within the bloc. A heated debate erupted during a Yisrael Beiteinu election staff meeting when Forer suspected Eisenkot and Golan were secretly working to reach understandings with Ra'am. Such understandings could potentially enable the formation of a government without Yisrael Beiteinu, with external support from Agudat Yisrael.
During the meeting, a dispute also arose between Forer and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman, who expressed confidence in the Change Bloc's ability to form a Zionist and national government.
Mentioned
