Bennett's Quiet Strategy to Lead After Eisenkot's Expected Failure
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is strategically backing Gadi Eisenkot's mandate to form a government, anticipating its failure. Bennett's plan is to then position himself to lead the "change bloc" after Eisenkot's expected inability to secure a coalition. This tactic is reminiscent of Bennett's role in forming the previous "change government" and aims to secure leadership amid parliamentary deadlock.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former PM Naftali Bennett is strategically backing Gadi Eisenkot's government mandate.
- Bennett anticipates Eisenkot's failure to form a coalition, planning to step in.
- The strategy mirrors Bennett's role in forming the previous "change government."
- Current Knesset dynamics show a right-wing bloc of 53, opposition of 48, and Arab parties of 19.
- Bennett's message is "This time, Bennett" amid parliamentary deadlock.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is reportedly employing a "quiet political strategy" aimed at positioning himself to lead the "change bloc" after Gadi Eisenkot is expected to fail in his mandate to form a government. Bennett is publicly giving Eisenkot his full backing, a move political analysts believe is designed to set the stage for his own leadership bid.
The strategy is based on the assessment that a functional coalition is unlikely to be formed within the current parliamentary map. Bennett's public statements of support for Eisenkot are seen as a calculated effort to prepare for the next phase of political drama. The expectation is that Eisenkot will face insurmountable challenges, including potential "burns" from political flirtations and unlikely negotiations with Arab and Haredi parties.
Once Eisenkot's efforts are exhausted and reach a dead end, Bennett plans to approach him directly, suggesting he step aside. This tactic mirrors a similar move Bennett made during the formation of the previous "change government." At that time, Bennett assured Benjamin Netanyahu of his full support for a government, while knowing Netanyahu could not secure a majority. After Netanyahu's mandate expired, Bennett proceeded to form a government with the Ra'am party, citing a lack of alternatives.
Bennett's current message, in light of the complex Knesset power dynamics where the right-wing and Haredi bloc holds 53 mandates, the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot has 48, and Arab parties hold 19, is clear: "This time, Bennett." This strategy is viewed as an attempt to secure leadership at the decisive moment, given the ongoing mutual vetoes among the factions.
