Israel's Political Chess Match: Coalition Talks Intensify Amidst Knesset Power Play

As Israel's 26th Knesset prepares to convene on November 10, a high-stakes political maneuvering is underway, primarily focused on controlling the Knesset's agenda. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Change Bloc," is leading efforts to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, aiming to secure parliamentary control and advance legislation, including the establishment of a state inquiry committee, the annulment of judicial overhaul laws, and the advancement of a conscription law, even before a new government is formed.

The Likud party is reportedly in a state of "hysteria," attempting to thwart the opposition's plans by undermining public legitimacy for parliamentary moves involving Arab parties and by seeking defectors from the opposition. Eisenkot's party claims Likud members, including ministers and MKs like Almog Cohen, Yoav Kisch, and Yaakov Bardugo, have been contacting their party members. The Likud has denied these claims, accusing Eisenkot and his allies of pressuring them and collaborating with "terror-supporting parties."

Meanwhile, Eisenkot is actively pursuing the inclusion of Haredi parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, in a future government, believing it is possible without the participation of Arab parties. A reported obstacle is Avigdor Lieberman, who has pledged not to join a government with Haredi parties, though pressure is allegedly being applied to change his stance. If Eisenkot receives the mandate to form a government, his party would likely control the Arrangements Committee, giving the Change Bloc significant influence.

Disagreements persist within the Change Bloc regarding the timing of government formation and the replacement of the Knesset Speaker. Some factions believe it's strategic to let Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu receive the mandate first to limit his ability to pressure opposition MKs. The Likud, facing a tight schedule, is focusing on preventing opposition MKs from voting for a new speaker if it relies on Arab party support, launching a social media campaign and reportedly having previously established a team to "dismantle" the Yisrael Beiteinu party.

The process of replacing the Knesset Speaker is complex, as a new speaker requires 90 votes to be removed. There are also internal disagreements on a suitable candidate, with suspicions of potential future unity governments. Eisenkot favors MK Orit Farkash-Hacohen, while Lieberman supports MK Oded Forer. Some in the "Habayit Hayehudi" party have suggested Yair Lapid as a potentially agreeable candidate for all factions, including Arab parties.

Eisenkot has outlined his immediate legislative priorities should he form a government: establishing a state inquiry committee, enforcing universal conscription, and repealing "regime change" laws. He emphasized his commitment to four core principles for any coalition: Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal, and egalitarian state; adherence to the Declaration of Independence; universal service obligation; and recognizing Hamas as a terror organization. Eisenkot stressed his determination to avoid further elections and translate the public's will into a new government.