Eisenkot Pushes for Conscription Law and Oct. 7 Inquiry
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
Opposition politician Gadi Eisenkot intends to push for universal conscription legislation and an inquiry into the October 7th Hamas attack once the new Knesset convenes on November 10th. While his bloc holds enough seats to pass some laws, internal divisions complicate government formation. Eisenkot has ruled out a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is seeking to advance initiatives, including those concerning ultra-Orthodox military service. He has urged public patience amidst the complex political landscape.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot plans to advance universal conscription and an Oct. 7 inquiry after the new Knesset convenes.
- Eisenkot's opposition bloc has 67 seats, potentially enough to pass laws without a formal coalition.
- Eisenkot rejects a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Proposed legislation includes reforms to budget procedures and recognition for national service.
- Former PM Naftali Bennett and Yair Golan are also engaged in opposition coalition talks.
- The Central Election Commission is investigating suspicions of foreign interference in the election.
Israeli opposition politician Gadi Eisenkot plans to advance key campaign promises immediately after the new Knesset is formed. These include legislation for universal conscription and national service, as well as the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023. Eisenkot, leader of the centrist Yashar party, is reportedly already working on draft legislation, according to The Times of Israel. Other proposed initiatives involve reforming the state budget process and increasing societal recognition for Israelis who perform military or national service. These proposals are slated for discussion with political partners and a vote in parliament after its swearing-in on November 10.
Mathematically, the bloc opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds 67 of the Knesset's 120 seats, potentially allowing them to pass certain legislation even without a formal coalition agreement. However, this bloc comprises diverse political forces, with 48 seats from Jewish-led parties and 19 from Arab parties. Netanyahu's supporters hold 53 seats, falling short of the 61 needed for an absolute majority.
Eisenkot has reiterated his fundamental opposition to a unity government with Netanyahu. Some of his proposed initiatives directly challenge Netanyahu's positions, particularly regarding military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Israelis. "No distortion of facts will change the fact that the Israeli public voted against the government of October 7 and against those who evade military service," Eisenkot stated. He acknowledged the country faces a complex political situation and urged the public to remain patient and composed, promising, "Have patience. There is hope. We will succeed. I give you my word."
Meanwhile, Eisenkot met with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Thursday in Ra'anana to discuss forming a government quickly. Yair Golan of the left-wing Democrats also held talks with other opposition figures, including Yair Lapid and Eisenkot himself, emphasizing their shared commitment to Israel's security and future. Golan also met with Mansour Abbas, leader of the Arab Ra'am party, who has expressed openness to a coalition involving Ra'am, though he views the prospects of a minority government supported by Arab parties as unlikely, according to Channel 12.
Separately, the Central Election Commission's chairman, Noam Sohlberg, stated that serious suspicions of foreign interference in the Knesset election have been raised, prompting the commission to take the allegations seriously.
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