Eisenkot Explores Minority Government Backed by Ultra-Orthodox and Arab Parties
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Gadi Eisenkot is exploring the formation of a minority government supported by the abstention of United Torah Judaism and partial backing from Ra'am. This political maneuver aims to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, potentially securing 49 mandates. However, significant opposition exists from figures like Avigdor Lieberman, and key issues such as the conscription law and the Knesset Speaker position remain unresolved. President Isaac Herzog will begin coalition consultations next week, with Eisenkot expected to receive more recommendations than Netanyahu.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot is exploring a minority government plan with abstentions from United Torah Judaism and support from Ra'am.
- The proposed government could secure 49 mandates, challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 46.
- Avigdor Lieberman opposes any government reliant on religious or Arab parties.
- United Torah Judaism insists on its demands for a conscription law without quotas or sanctions.
- President Isaac Herzog will begin coalition consultations next Wednesday.
- Eisenkot is expected to receive around 60 recommendations for prime minister.
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the 'Yashar!' party, has instructed his faction to explore the possibility of forming a minority government under his leadership, which would rely on the abstention of United Torah Judaism and partial support from Ra'am. This move, reported by Ynet, could potentially establish an "Eisenkot bloc" with 49 mandates against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 46. However, political analysts suggest this might be an extreme scenario or a tactic to exert pressure on Netanyahu for a unity government.
The reported plan involves United Torah Judaism abstaining from key votes, while Ra'am would provide active support, and the Joint List would not oppose the government. Senior figures in the "change bloc" are reportedly working to build this political safety net. A significant obstacle is Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, who firmly opposes any government leaning on religious parties, whether directly or indirectly.
Another major hurdle is the conscription law. While the plan aims to secure support from United Torah Judaism until a conscription framework is found, MK Yitzhak Goldknopf, chairman of Agudat Yisrael, stated that the faction will not compromise on its demand for a conscription law without quotas or sanctions, as dictated by their Torah Council.
Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas reportedly seeks to be part of the coalition, even if Ra'am's official support is limited. Disagreements also persist within the "change bloc" regarding the Knesset Speaker position, with Eisenkot and Lieberman backing different candidates from their respective parties.
Senior figures in United Torah Judaism confirmed that contacts are being made through intermediaries but assess the chances of this plan succeeding as very slim. The "change bloc" also anticipates difficulties in reaching a consensus on a legislative framework acceptable to all parties. The 'Yashar!' party stated they are committed to fulfilling the voters' will to replace the current government but declined to comment on internal discussions, noting that published reports may not accurately reflect the situation.
President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to begin consultations on Wednesday, with faction recommendations due by November 11. He has urged parties to approach the discussions with an open mind. Eisenkot is expected to lead with approximately 60 recommendations, even without Lieberman's support, compared to Netanyahu's 46. The candidate who receives the mandate will have 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension. Failure to form a government could lead to the Knesset dissolving and new elections.
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