Eisenkot Warned by Former Barak Aide Over Unity Government Conditions
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Yaakov Ben Shemesh, former aide to Aharon Barak, criticized Yishar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot for his conditions for a unity government, including establishing a state commission of inquiry. Ben Shemesh argued that a parliamentary majority is insufficient without a stable coalition and that a state commission requires a government decision, not just a majority. He warned Eisenkot that failing to form a stable unity government with Netanyahu now could cost him politically in future elections.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yaakov Ben Shemesh criticized Gadi Eisenkot's conditions for a unity government.
- Ben Shemesh called Eisenkot's parliamentary majority threats "empty slogans" and "infantile illusions."
- He stated a state commission of inquiry requires a government decision, not a parliamentary majority.
- Ben Shemesh warned Eisenkot that failing to form a unity government now will have future political costs.
- Eisenkot's party currently holds 21 mandates, according to Ben Shemesh.
Yaakov Ben Shemesh, a former aide to Aharon Barak, has sharply criticized Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yishar party, over his conditions for forming a unity government. Ben Shemesh argued on Sunday that Eisenkot is setting unrealistic demands, particularly regarding the establishment of a state commission of inquiry.
Ben Shemesh accused Eisenkot of not having "woken up" from what he called a "ridiculous victory speech," and is now "setting conditions for a unity government" and threatening to "immediately implement the clear parliamentary majority" to establish a state commission of inquiry and cancel "revolution laws." Ben Shemesh asserted that a parliamentary majority alone does not guarantee legislative progress without a stable government, calling the idea of a parliamentary majority without a solid coalition majority "just an empty slogan."
He also dismissed the notion of a minority government advancing legislation with the support of Arab parties, stating that legislative processes are not arbitrary and Eisenkot needs to abandon "infantile illusions" about such a government. Ben Shemesh further contended that establishing a state commission of inquiry does not require a parliamentary majority, but rather a government decision, and questioned the value of conclusions from a commission formed by only one political faction.
Concluding his remarks, Ben Shemesh directly addressed Eisenkot, warning him about the political consequences of his current stance. He stated that Eisenkot does not possess a "clear parliamentary majority" and should stop making empty threats, as his party holds only 21 mandates. Ben Shemesh advised Eisenkot that if he does not attempt to realize these mandates now in a stable unity government with Netanyahu, "even this will not remain for him in the next elections."
