Netanyahu Weighs Bennett or Lieberman Over Eisenkot for Next Government
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is exploring the possibility of forming his next government by including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett or Avigdor Lieberman, instead of a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot. While this move could benefit the right-wing bloc, it faces significant obstacles including past political feuds, demands for high-level positions, and the challenge of reconciling with ultra-Orthodox parties. Bennett and Lieberman's history of political opportunism, however, suggests such a deal could materialize.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Benjamin Netanyahu is considering adding Naftali Bennett or Avigdor Lieberman to his next government.
- This potential move is seen as an alternative to a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot.
- Bennett and Lieberman are viewed as more aligned with the right-wing bloc's agenda than Eisenkot.
- Significant obstacles include past political disputes and demands for key ministerial roles.
- Reconciliation with ultra-Orthodox parties poses a major challenge for Bennett and Lieberman.
- Their history of political opportunism makes the deal a potential, albeit difficult, possibility.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering a politically strategic move 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 option is seen as potentially serving the interests of the right-wing bloc.
On paper, aligning with Bennett or Lieberman is presented as more advantageous for the right than a coalition with Eisenkot. Unlike Eisenkot, who is associated with the center-left, supports halting the judicial reform, and holds a softer political agenda, Bennett and Lieberman are described as right-wing politicians. They are seen as less likely to oppose key right-wing policies such as the judicial reform, expanding settlements, or conducting military operations without legal constraints.
Technically, bringing in Bennett or Lieberman is also considered more feasible. As leaders of their own parties, their personal decisions can facilitate a coalition shift, unlike Eisenkot who is bound by his party and its partners. The article suggests Bennett and Lieberman could potentially abandon their current voter base, which may have been driven by opposition to Netanyahu, and return to their natural right-wing constituency in exchange for senior government positions.
However, significant obstacles exist. Deep personal animosity, particularly from Netanyahu towards Bennett over past political disputes, is a major hurdle. Both Bennett and Lieberman would likely demand substantial concessions, such as the Defense Ministry or other key portfolios. Crucially, their past opposition to ultra-Orthodox parties presents a major challenge, as a coalition with Shas and United Torah Judaism would require them to publicly reconcile with groups they have historically criticized.
Despite these difficulties, the article posits that Bennett and Lieberman's history as "ultimate opportunists" and politicians driven by power and position, rather than rigid ideology, makes such a seemingly impossible political maneuver a possibility for the future.
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