Eisenkot and Lieberman Forge Election Alliance to Oust Government
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman, leaders of "Servants' Bloc" parties, agreed to cooperate in the upcoming elections to replace the government. They urged voters to support their bloc and avoid parties unlikely to pass the threshold, as polls show a tight race. Lieberman opposes coalitions with Arab parties, while Bennett proposed reforms in religious education. Prime Minister Netanyahu supported Haredi demands regarding the conscription law and preserving yeshiva students.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Eisenkot and Lieberman agreed to cooperate to increase voter turnout and replace the government.
- The "Servants' Bloc" includes four parties: Yishai!, Yisrael Beiteinu, Bayit Yehudi, and Democrats.
- Lieberman opposes coalitions reliant on Arab parties, warning of Haredi gains.
- Bennett plans reforms in religious education, while Netanyahu supports Haredi conscription law demands.
- Smotrich urged smaller right-wing parties to withdraw to unify the right.
- The election outcome hinges on a few mandates and strategic voting.
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of Yishai!, and Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, held a late-night meeting and agreed to continue their cooperation ahead of the upcoming elections on October 27. The two leaders, whose parties are part of the "Servants' Bloc" coalition, aim to increase voter turnout and defeat the current government. They urged voters to support one of the four bloc parties and avoid voting for parties unlikely to pass the electoral threshold.
The "Servants' Bloc" includes Yishai!, Yisrael Beiteinu, Naftali Bennett's Bayit Yehudi, and Yair Golan's Democrats. Recent polls indicate a very close race, where every seat could determine whether the current government continues or is replaced. Tensions had existed between Lieberman and Eisenkot, with Lieberman reportedly concerned Eisenkot might seek a unity government with Likud, while Eisenkot sought to establish his party as the leading force in the bloc.
Lieberman reiterated his stance against forming a coalition reliant on Arab Knesset members, warning that a minority government would lead to a significant surge for Haredi parties and Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc in future elections. He stated that such a government is unstable and would likely result in a return to the polls, potentially giving Netanyahu, Deri, and Goldknopf a combined 70 seats.
Meanwhile, Naftali Bennett discussed plans for a dramatic reform in the Torah world, advocating for a complete halt to budgets for Torah institutions and Haredi education that do not teach 100% core curriculum subjects, and sharply criticized Aryeh Deri. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, aligned with Haredi demands, expressing hope that the conscription law could be settled before the next government is formed. He also condemned enforcement and arrests of yeshiva students, emphasizing the importance of preserving the Torah world.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Ofer Vinter and smaller right-wing parties to withdraw from the race, arguing that the left is now unified and organized, while the right is fragmented. The joint announcement by Eisenkot and Lieberman serves as a direct appeal to the public to vote strategically for bloc parties, recognizing that high turnout and smart voting are crucial for victory in an election decided by a few mandates.
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