Eisenkot Vows to Form 'Good Government' After Israeli Election Results
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Gadi Eisenkot, head of Yashar, pledged to form a new Israeli government after preliminary election results showed his bloc with 48 seats, falling short of a majority. He faces coalition challenges, including potential compromises on campaign promises and internal disagreements about relying on Arab parties. Eisenkot also addressed foreign interference allegations and accused Benjamin Netanyahu of undermining the results. He promised to present legislative initiatives upon the Knesset's opening.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot vowed to form a new Israeli government after his bloc secured 48 seats in the election.
- Eisenkot's bloc fell short of a majority, facing coalition challenges and potential compromises on campaign promises.
- President Yitzhak Herzog is expected to task Eisenkot with government formation, with Arab parties potentially recommending him.
- Eisenkot announced legislative plans including a conscription law and a commission to investigate the October 7 massacre.
- He accused Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud of undermining election results and addressed foreign interference allegations.
- Eisenkot called for calm and patience amidst a complex political situation.
Following the counting of over 99% of votes on Thursday, October 29, Gadi Eisenkot, head of Yashar, pledged to fulfill the will of the voters and form a new Israeli government. Preliminary results show Eisenkot's bloc securing 48 seats, Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc 53, and Arab parties 19. Eisenkot indicated he does not intend to form a government of national unity, though he did not explicitly rule it out. He thanked his supporters and promised to work diligently to justify their trust, stating, "I will act to fulfill the will of the people and create a new, good government for Israel." The exact composition of this coalition remains unspecified.
According to near-final results, Yashar received 21 mandates, Be'ahad 12, Democrats 8, and Yisrael Beiteinu 7, totaling 48 seats for the bloc. The Joint Arab List garnered 11 mandates and Ra'am 8. President Yitzhak Herzog is expected to task Eisenkot with forming the government first, as Arab parties may recommend him. However, consensus within Eisenkot's bloc is lacking regarding a government reliant on the Joint Arab List and Ra'am. Potential scenarios include a unity government with Likud, a cabinet supported by Arab parties, or a coalition involving the ultra-Orthodox parties. Each option would necessitate Eisenkot or his partners compromising on campaign promises.
Meanwhile, Eisenkot announced that his teams are finalizing legislative proposals for the new Knesset. These include a conscription law for all citizens, the establishment of a state commission to investigate the October 7 massacre, changes to budget allocation mechanisms, and prioritizing citizens serving in the military. He stated these plans are ready and will be brought to a vote upon the Knesset's opening session, pending partner approval. Eisenkot affirmed his commitment to defending the interests of working citizens, IDF soldiers, and those upholding the values of the Declaration of Independence.
Eisenkot also addressed suspicions of foreign interference in the elections, urging for specialists to complete their investigation without political pressure. He called such interference unacceptable, especially if it originates from a state he accused of funding terror, supporting Hamas, and infiltrating the Prime Minister's office in recent years, hinting at Qatar. He further accused Netanyahu and Likud of orchestrating a campaign to undermine election results due to their loss and lack of a majority, emphasizing the rule of law in Israel. Describing the political situation as complex, Eisenkot pledged to act calmly and decisively, calling for restraint and patience from his supporters.
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