Opposition Bloc Leaders to Meet Ahead of Presidential Consultations

Leaders of the "Change Bloc" parties are scheduled to hold a critical meeting on Tuesday, March 3rd, one day before President Yitzhak Herzog begins consultations on a candidate for prime minister. The meeting, set for 11:30 AM at the Dan Accadia Hotel in Herzliya, will include Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, Yair Golan, and Yair Lapid. The primary agenda item is coordinating actions, with sources indicating discussions will focus on a strategy to gain control of the Knesset. This includes removing the Likud speaker, establishing an organizational committee, and rescinding controversial laws passed by the current coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu. The "takeover strategy" is a central topic, alongside broader discussions about future steps that could reveal significant disagreements among the bloc's partners.

Disagreements are already apparent regarding government formation. Gadi Eisenkot reportedly still believes a minority government is possible and has recently focused on gaining support from ultra-Orthodox parties, though he has not ruled out support from Arab parties or a national unity government. In contrast, Avigdor Lieberman categorically rejects joining a coalition with Netanyahu but has not ruled out an alliance with the ultra-Orthodox, despite disagreements over the conscription law. Yair Golan is actively working to form a government including the Arab party Ra'am, emphasizing the need to consider Arab voters' will. Naftali Bennett, like Lieberman, is skeptical of relying on Arab votes, warning that a government dependent on them would be short-lived and could lead to Netanyahu winning a full term in new elections.

Further divisions exist over the Knesset speaker position. Lieberman and Bennett favor Yair Lapid for the role, while Eisenkot wants a representative from his own party. The speaker's position is crucial; if the current coalition's candidate is elected, 90 votes would be needed to remove them. If early elections are called, having a "Change Bloc" representative as speaker during the transition is seen as important.

Legislative plans are also a point of contention. Eisenkot has distanced himself from the "accused law," which would prevent indicted politicians from becoming prime minister. Lieberman expressed doubt about forming a state commission to investigate the October 7th events before a government is formed or the Knesset is dissolved.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on November 2nd that the Likud aims to form a broad government and is open to dialogue. He believes the Israeli public does not want a government dependent on Ra'am or the Joint List, having chosen Likud and himself to lead. Netanyahu also indicated he would not abandon his current coalition partners and would seek the premiership, even if a rotation agreement was made with Gadi Eisenkot.