Netanyahu Allies Float Surprise Unity Government Plan to Lure Eisenkot
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are proposing a unity government plan that includes Gadi Eisenkot, the opposition leader, offering a government without ultra-Orthodox parties initially and a potential rotation in leadership. This strategy aims to persuade Eisenkot to join despite his prior refusal to serve under Netanyahu. The plan involves passing the Conscription Law first, then potentially adding the Haredi parties. Opposition figures have rejected the idea, calling it politically suicidal. Both blocs await final election results to determine their next steps.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu's allies are proposing a unity government plan to recruit opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot.
- The plan includes forming a government without ultra-Orthodox parties initially.
- Eisenkot previously vowed not to serve under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- The proposed government would first pass the Conscription Law.
- Opposition figures have dismissed the idea as politically suicidal.
- Both political blocs are awaiting final election results.
Sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are reportedly promoting a surprising plan to form a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the National Unity Party. This initiative comes despite Eisenkot's previous commitment not to serve under Netanyahu. The proposed "lure" involves establishing a government without the ultra-Orthodox parties in its initial phase, with the potential for a rotation in the prime ministership.
While Netanyahu has publicly stated his aim to form a right-wing government, his associates are suggesting that Eisenkot may ultimately be compelled to join him. These sources argue that Eisenkot "will not survive another round" and could even lose his position as bloc leader, implying he will eventually agree to join Netanyahu's government despite his prior pledges.
The plan suggests that the government would first pass the Conscription Law without the participation of the ultra-Orthodox parties in the coalition. This approach, according to the proponents, would allow the law to advance without the Haredim bearing direct responsibility for its legislation. Following the law's approval, the ultra-Orthodox parties could then be invited to join, expanding the coalition. Netanyahu's circle believes this move could offer Eisenkot a significant achievement in the area of conscription, potentially persuading him to join.
However, those promoting the initiative admit they have received no indication from Eisenkot that he is willing to discuss it. Sources within the "Change Bloc" (the opposition) have dismissed the possibility of Eisenkot joining a Netanyahu-led government, calling it "complete suicide, both morally and politically."
Currently, both blocs are awaiting the final election results, expected by the end of the week. If Netanyahu's bloc nears 60 seats, his associates believe that recruiting defectors from the opposing bloc might be a "simpler path," with some Likud sources claiming potential candidates for switching sides have already been identified.
