Israel's Political Chess: Coalition Talks and Election Probe Dominate Week
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Israeli politics is dominated by coalition formation talks and an investigation into alleged foreign election interference. Gadi Eisenkot's "change bloc" is attempting to form a government, with potential support from Yisrael Beiteinu and United Torah Judaism, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces challenges. A dispute between the Shin Bet chief and the Legal Advisor over the election probe has drawn presidential intervention. Internal disagreements within the "change bloc" over the Knesset Speaker position could hinder their progress.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yisrael Beiteinu and United Torah Judaism have made subtle moves toward each other, impacting coalition talks.
- Gadi Eisenkot's "change bloc" is attempting to form a government, facing slim chances of success.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is struggling to form his own coalition government.
- An investigation into alleged foreign interference in elections has created rifts between agencies.
- Disagreements within the "change bloc" over the Knesset Speaker position persist.
- The new Knesset is scheduled to be sworn in on November 10th.
The political landscape in Israel is in flux following recent elections, with intense negotiations and a deepening investigation into alleged foreign interference shaping the week's events. Two parties, Yisrael Beiteinu and United Torah Judaism, have made subtle moves toward each other, potentially opening a path for Gadi Eisenkot's "change bloc" to form a government, though chances of success remain slim. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces significant hurdles in forming his own coalition, with his Likud party and its allies struggling to unite.
The "change bloc" is reportedly seeking to secure the mandate to form the government first. A key development was Avigdor Lieberman's press conference, where he reiterated his refusal to join a government with Netanyahu or one reliant on Arab parties, while conspicuously omitting mention of the ultra-Orthodox parties. This has been interpreted as a green light for Eisenkot to negotiate with United Torah Judaism and Shas.
United Torah Judaism, despite internal divisions, has signaled a willingness to negotiate by not recommending any candidate for prime minister. However, securing the necessary 61 seats would require the inclusion of Shas, a Sephardic ultra-Orthodox party that did recommend Netanyahu. The success of these coalition talks hinges on finding face-saving formulas for parties like Yisrael Beiteinu and Shas, which campaigned on strong opposition to the ultra-Orthodox.
Simultaneously, a probe into alleged foreign interference in the elections has intensified, creating a rift between law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and becoming a political battleground. The investigation involves a dispute between the Head of Shin Bet, David Zini, and the Legal Advisor to the Government, Gali Baharav-Miara, over questioning Arab party leaders. President Isaac Herzog has intervened to de-escalate tensions.
Within the "change bloc," disagreements persist over the Knesset Speaker position, with Eisenkot's party clashing with Yesh Atid over their respective candidates. This internal conflict could delay the swearing-in of the new Knesset, scheduled for November 10th, and potentially allow Netanyahu to regain the initiative. The Likud party, while publicly advocating for a "broad government," is reportedly working behind the scenes to undermine Eisenkot's efforts, possibly by seeking defectors from the "change bloc."
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