Likud Ministers Open to Government Under Gadi Eizenkot Amid Netanyahu's Broad Coalition Push

Several Likud ministers have not ruled out joining a government led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot. Education Minister Yoav Kish stated in a June 29 interview with Galei Tzahal that there is legitimacy in such a move if Eizenkot tells Netanyahu, "Either you join or I rely on Arab parties." Kish emphasized that any alternative is preferable to a left-wing government dependent on Arab parties.

Likud Minister Ofir Kara also did not categorically dismiss the possibility of sitting in an Eizenkot-led government. In a podcast interview, Kara said he would not rule it out entirely but stressed that the Likud voters expect the party to strongly oppose such a government, which he described as unfavorable for Israel. Kara criticized the opposition's focus on opposing Netanyahu rather than constructive governance.

These statements come amid Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign to form a broad national government. Netanyahu has repeatedly expressed his desire to establish a wide coalition that excludes a left-wing government reliant on Arab parties. He stated that Israel needs a government uniting a broad majority around clear national principles, including maintaining Israel as the Jewish nation-state, self-defense capabilities, economic and military independence, and opposition to a Palestinian state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.

Netanyahu acknowledged that current polls show he cannot form a government without parties outside his traditional right-wing and ultra-Orthodox bloc. He invited all parties willing to accept his principles to join the coalition, emphasizing unity amid external threats and internal challenges.

The possibility of an Eizenkot-led government reflects ongoing political maneuvering as Netanyahu seeks to broaden his coalition options while maintaining his leadership. Likud ministers' openness to such a government signals pragmatic considerations in Israel's fragmented political landscape.