President Herzog's Consultations Seen as Push for Unity Government with Netanyahu
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
President Isaac Herzog's recent political consultations are viewed as an effort to engineer a unity government with Benjamin Netanyahu. Critics dismiss the process as a theatrical and unnecessary ritual. Herzog reportedly showed impatience with parties opposing a unity government and questioned the feasibility of minority governments. While Gadi Eisenkot is a favored candidate, Herzog appears to prefer a Netanyahu-led coalition, expressing concerns about minority government reliance on Arab parties.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- President Isaac Herzog's consultations are seen as a maneuver to establish a unity government with Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Critics describe the presidential consultations as a largely ceremonial and unnecessary political performance.
- Herzog reportedly expressed impatience with parties obstructing the formation of a unity government.
- The President questioned the ability of the 'Democrats' party to form a minority government.
- Meirav Cohen of the 'Together' party strongly opposed any government involving Netanyahu.
- Yair Lapid dismissed the possibility of a unity government with Netanyahu as a fantasy.
President Isaac Herzog's recent consultations with political factions at the President's Residence have been characterized as a performance aimed at paving the way for a unity government led by Benjamin Netanyahu. Critics argue the process, which resembles a televised political debate, is largely ceremonial and unnecessary, as faction positions are well-known.
The consultations, mandated by law for recommending a candidate to form the government, are seen by some as an archaic ritual. The author suggests that faction stances could be communicated via simple messages, with the President performing the straightforward numerical calculations himself.
Despite the predictable outcome, the President reportedly expressed impatience with parties hindering the formation of a unity government, including Otzma Yehudit, Democrats, and Arab parties. He questioned the Democrats' ability to form a minority government, echoing sentiments previously expressed by Netanyahu.
Herzog also addressed the Haredi parties, referencing the annulment of the Tal Law, which exempted ultra-Orthodox men from military service. He reportedly expressed regret to the Ashkenazi Haredim, acknowledging their disappointment.
Members of the 'Together' party, including Meirav Cohen, voiced strong opposition to a government with Netanyahu, likening him to a scorpion who breaks promises. Yair Lapid, a leader of the 'Change Bloc,' dismissed the idea of a unity government with Netanyahu as a fantasy.
The article suggests that Gadi Eisenkot, the former IDF Chief of Staff, is the public's preferred candidate for prime minister. However, Herzog is reportedly hesitant about Eisenkot forming a minority government reliant on Arab parties and is actively working towards a Netanyahu-led unity government.
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