Eisenkot Vows to Use Knesset Majority to Repeal Judicial Overhaul, Probe Oct. 7
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yachad party, plans to use the opposition's Knesset majority to launch an investigation into the October 7 attacks and repeal judicial reforms. He also advocates for mandatory military service and forming a broad "Zionist, statist government." Eisenkot met with Yair Lapid to discuss post-election strategies. Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman has rejected offers for Knesset Speaker, as opposition parties aim to replace the Likud's Amir Ohana, though securing a majority may require Arab party support, which Lieberman opposes.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot will use the Knesset majority to probe Oct. 7 and repeal judicial reforms.
- Eisenkot seeks to implement mandatory military service and form a broad Zionist government.
- Eisenkot met with Yair Lapid to coordinate post-election strategies.
- Avigdor Lieberman rejected offers for Knesset Speaker, complicating opposition plans.
- Securing a majority may require cooperation with Arab parties, which Lieberman opposes.
- Opposition parties aim to replace Likud's Amir Ohana as Knesset Speaker.
Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yachad party, stated on Saturday evening that he intends to leverage the parliamentary majority opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to establish a formal investigation committee into the events of October 7. He also aims to push for mandatory military service and repeal the judicial overhaul legislation, without waiting for a new government to be formed. Following recent elections, Eisenkot called for immediate steps to increase the number of Israelis serving in the IDF and improve their compensation and recognition.
Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of fostering a "culture of lies" that has divided Israel, asserting that the election results signal a clear demand for change. He pledged to work on his agenda while seeking broad consensus, rather than allowing "one side" to dominate. Eisenkot also reiterated his commitment to forming a "Zionist, statist government" with the widest possible base.
He outlined four principles for potential coalition partners: recognizing Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal, and egalitarian state; adhering to the Declaration of Independence; imposing military, national, or civil service on all citizens; and designating Hamas as a terrorist organization whose military capabilities and governing authority in Gaza must be eliminated. Eisenkot urged exceptional efforts to avoid further elections or a prolonged political crisis.
He added that until a new government is sworn in, he would not support any military action unless it was a direct and immediate response to an unavoidable threat. This statement followed a meeting between Eisenkot and Yair Lapid, second on the "Achad" list led by Naftali Bennett, marking their first public discussion since the elections. They reportedly discussed the results and coordinated their next steps.
Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, revealed he had received offers for the Knesset Speaker position but has no intention of accepting it. This comes amid reports that opposition parties are seeking to replace Amir Ohana of the Likud party as the Knesset convenes on November 10. Eisenkot's parliamentary strategy faces a challenge, as the four anti-Netanyahu bloc parties hold 48 seats. Cooperation with the 19 seats held by the Arab parties is necessary for a majority, but Lieberman opposes such collaboration and has not indicated his stance on replacing Ohana. A meeting between Lapid and Lieberman is also anticipated.
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