Netanyahu Weighs Bennett or Lieberman for Government Coalition
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is exploring the possibility of forming his next government by including either Naftali Bennett or Avigdor Lieberman, a move seen as advantageous for the right-wing bloc. This strategy bypasses a potential unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, who is perceived as having a center-left agenda. While Bennett and Lieberman are ideologically aligned with the right, significant obstacles include past political grievances, demands for high-level positions, and the challenge of reconciling with ultra-Orthodox parties, against whom they have previously campaigned.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Benjamin Netanyahu is considering adding Naftali Bennett or Avigdor Lieberman to his next government.
- This strategy is viewed as more beneficial for the right-wing bloc than a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot.
- Bennett and Lieberman are seen as more ideologically aligned with the right-wing agenda.
- Past political betrayals and demands for senior roles pose significant challenges.
- Reconciling with ultra-Orthodox parties presents a major obstacle for Bennett and Lieberman.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering a political maneuver to form his next government by potentially bringing in either Naftali Bennett or Avigdor Lieberman, rather than pursuing a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot. This strategy is seen as potentially beneficial for the right-wing bloc.
On paper, this approach offers advantages over a coalition with Eisenkot, who is associated with the center-left and holds reservations about the judicial reform, a softer political agenda, and significant actions in Judea and Samaria, Gaza, and Lebanon. In contrast, Bennett and Lieberman are described as right-wing figures who would likely not oppose key right-wing policies such as the judicial reform, settlement expansion, or unrestricted military operations.
Technically, bringing Bennett or Lieberman into the fold is seen as more feasible than Eisenkot, as they lead parties that are essentially one-person entities, allowing for swift personal decisions. This contrasts with Eisenkot, who is bound by party commitments.
However, significant obstacles exist. Deep personal animosity, particularly from Netanyahu towards Bennett due to past political betrayals, is a major hurdle. Both Bennett and Lieberman would demand substantial concessions, likely including senior ministerial portfolios like the Ministry of Defense or even a rotation agreement. The most significant challenge, however, involves the ultra-Orthodox parties. Both Bennett and Lieberman have built political careers on opposing the Haredi sector, making a future coalition with parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism a difficult proposition to explain to their respective bases.
Despite these challenges, the article suggests that Bennett and Lieberman's history as opportunistic politicians, driven by a pursuit of power and position rather than rigid ideology, means that what seems improbable now could become a reality.
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