Likud Insiders Fear Netanyahu is Lost
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Sources within Israel's Likud party believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "lost for advice" and should adopt a passive strategy regarding government formation. They suggest letting "Yash" Chairman Gadi Eisenkot attempt to build a coalition first, arguing Netanyahu's involvement could complicate matters. Insiders feel Netanyahu is in a better position if the responsibility falls to Eisenkot, who is seen as navigating a "minefield." Netanyahu had previously called for a unity government with his ultra-Orthodox partners.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Likud sources believe Prime Minister Netanyahu is "lost for advice" and should remain passive.
- They suggest letting "Yash" Chairman Gadi Eisenkot attempt to form a government first.
- Netanyahu's involvement with ultra-Orthodox parties could increase their demands on Eisenkot.
- Insiders feel Netanyahu is in a stronger position if Eisenkot faces the challenge of forming a coalition.
- Netanyahu had previously called for a unity government with his ultra-Orthodox partners.
Sources within the Likud party believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's best strategy ahead of consultations with the President is to remain passive and allow "Yash" Chairman Gadi Eisenkot to attempt forming a government. They argue that any direct involvement by Netanyahu with ultra-Orthodox parties could increase their demands, thereby aiding Eisenkot in securing the necessary support for a coalition. "Right now, his correct strategy, and he understands this, is to be passive. Any involvement from him will only mess things up," a Likud source stated.
According to a report by Anna Braski in Maariv, Likud figures who have spoken with Netanyahu perceive him as "quite lost for advice." Despite this, they feel Netanyahu is in a stronger starting position than Eisenkot, precisely because the responsibility for forming a government may shift to his rival. "Right now, Eisenkot is walking through a minefield," Likud sources commented. "Why should we make it easier for him to walk through this minefield? Let him go!"
These Likud sources explained that any current discussions between Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox parties could be used by those parties in negotiations with Eisenkot, as could a potential meeting with an associate of Ra'am Chairman Mansour Abbas. They could then claim to Eisenkot that Netanyahu is in contact with them, and subsequently raise their demands. The source suggested that even if Netanyahu were tasked with forming a government first, it might work against him, forcing him into immediate negotiations without a clear path to a coalition. Yesterday, Netanyahu called for a unity government but clarified he would come with his partners, the ultra-Orthodox parties.
