Journalist Warns Netanyahu Could Return With 75 Seats If Minority Government Collapses
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Journalist Ben Caspit warns that a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot could be easily formed but would be vulnerable to collapse. If it falls, he fears Benjamin Netanyahu could return to power with 75 seats, driven by anti-Arab sentiment. Caspit suggests Arab parties might support the government due to crises in their communities, but ultimately views the venture as a dangerous gamble on Israel's future.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Journalist Ben Caspit warns a minority government collapse could lead to Netanyahu's return with 75 seats.
- A minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot could be sworn in with support from Arab parties.
- Arab parties may back a minority government due to severe safety crises in their communities.
- Caspit fears a "Bibi-ist propaganda machine" would attack the minority government if formed.
- He believes forming such a government is a dangerous gamble on Israel's future.
Journalist Ben Caspit has warned of dire consequences should a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot be formed, particularly if it subsequently collapses. In a column for Maariv, Caspit outlined the procedural ease with which such a government could be sworn in, requiring only the support of the bloc and an additional six Arab lawmakers. He noted that such a government would be difficult to topple, as it would require 61 MKs to actively vote for an alternative government with a different prime minister.
Caspit suggested that Arab parties might support such a coalition due to a severe crisis in their communities, where violence has made daily life dangerous. He argued that this situation, exacerbated by figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, could lead to a more stable government than the previous Bennett-Lapid coalition, as the opposition would lack crucial votes from Arab parties, making it nearly impossible to form a replacement.
However, Caspit also sounded a strong alarm about the immense risk involved. He cautioned that the "Bibi-ist propaganda machine" would immediately attack the minority government. If this government were to fall, Caspit fears that Benjamin Netanyahu could return to power with a significant mandate of 75 seats, fueled by a renewed campaign against Arab citizens. He expressed concern that relying on Arab lawmakers' promises is precarious, stating that in Israel, "everything that can go wrong, goes wrong twice," and that forming such a government would be a gamble with the country's future.