Eisenkot Sets Four Conditions for Potential Coalition Partners

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Israeli party Yashar, has outlined four core principles that any potential coalition partner must accept to form a government under his leadership. In a Saturday post on X, Eisenkot stated that any lawmaker willing to sign these principles would be considered a potential partner in forming a new government, emphasizing an open door policy for any elected representative who agrees.

The four conditions are: first, the recognition of Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal, and egalitarian state; second, a commitment to the values of the Declaration of Independence; third, mandatory national service for all Israeli citizens, either in the military, national, or civil service; and fourth, the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization with the destruction of its military and governmental power in Gaza. Eisenkot aims to form the broadest possible Zionist and statesmanlike government on this foundation.

Eisenkot interprets the election results as a clear mandate from the majority of Israelis, who he believes voted against the "government of October 7th" and against draft evasion, with a lead of over half a million votes. He intends to leverage this majority in the new Knesset swiftly, according to "Times of Israel." His proposed agenda includes establishing a state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023, attacks, implementing universal national service, and repealing laws related to the judicial overhaul.

He stressed that in Israel, the Knesset grants confidence to the government, not the other way around. Following the vote count, parties opposing Netanyahu hold 67 of the 120 seats in the Knesset, with 48 being Zionist and 19 from two Arab parties, with whom most Jewish opposition leaders have historically been unwilling to cooperate. Netanyahu's current coalition secured 53 seats, his Likud party 27, and Eisenkot's Yashar 21. Netanyahu and his allies have questioned the results, citing unsubstantiated claims of foreign interference.

Eisenkot is reportedly already working on legislative proposals for the national service law and the October 7 investigation. However, his ability to actually form a government remains uncertain. Regarding Iran, Eisenkot stated that until a new government is sworn in, he would only support military actions directly and immediately threatening Israel that cannot be postponed. "Times of Israel" references reports suggesting Netanyahu might initiate a conflict with Iran to remain in power.

Ahmad Tibi of the Arab Joint List indicated his party's readiness to support Zionist parties against Netanyahu in government formation, though they do not wish to be part of the government themselves. President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to begin consultations on Wednesday, during which parties will indicate their preferred candidate for government formation.