Ra'am Chairman Signals Conditions for Government Entry Unlikely to Be Obstacle

Ra'am party chairman Mansour Abbas indicated that the conditions set by Gadi Eisenkot would not prevent his party from joining a potential government. Abbas believes the chances of forming such a government are slim but sees a possible path forward. He outlined two conditions for this path: a shared determination among political players to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and flexibility in negotiations.

Abbas's statement suggests that Eisenkot's demands, which include a universal draft or national service law, recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, adoption of the Declaration of Independence values, and designating Hamas as a terrorist organization, would not be a dealbreaker for Ra'am. This leaves a potential opening for political maneuvering, though a government coalition remains distant.

Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman broke his silence, stating on social media that his Yisrael Beiteinu party would not form a government with Ra'am or the Joint List, calling them "terror supporters." However, past statements by Lieberman suggest his position might be part of political negotiation, and his future moves remain uncertain, with a meeting with Yair Lapid expected.

Sources within the "change bloc" are reportedly considering Lieberman's stance as a potential bargaining chip, recalling past dilemmas faced by Yair Lapid. They are also focused on unifying behind a candidate for Knesset Speaker, a crucial and potentially irreversible decision.

On the opposing side, Netanyahu is reportedly planning to pressure "weak links" within the change bloc through social media and associates, while continuing to delegitimize the election results. However, members of the change bloc argue that Netanyahu's extreme rhetoric underscores the need to remove him from office.