Eisenkot's Options Narrow: Ultra-Orthodox Government or New Elections
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Gadi Eisenkot, leading the "Change Bloc," is struggling to form a government, with options narrowing to either a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties or new elections. Avigdor Lieberman has rejected a 48-seat government plan and is pushing for a 61-seat coalition including the ultra-Orthodox. Another election is seen as harmful to the bloc, and the ultra-Orthodox parties hold the key to coalition formation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot's options for forming a government are narrowing, potentially leading to a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties or new elections.
- Avigdor Lieberman rejects a 48-seat government plan and advocates for a 61-seat coalition including ultra-Orthodox parties.
- The "Change Bloc" needs support from both United Torah Judaism and Shas for an ultra-Orthodox coalition.
- Another election is viewed as detrimental to the "Change Bloc" and could undermine public trust in the electoral process.
- The ultra-Orthodox parties are seen as holding the key to forming a government.
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Change Bloc," faces diminishing options for forming a government, with a potential coalition requiring either the ultra-Orthodox parties or new elections. A significant portion of the bloc, led by Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, has rejected Eisenkot's emergency plan for a 48-seat government that would abstain from Arab party support. Lieberman has instead advocated for a 61-seat government that includes the ultra-Orthodox parties as a bloc, even suggesting compromise on issues like the conscription law.
The Change Bloc needs the support of both the United Torah Judaism party (seven seats) and Shas (six seats) to form a government with the ultra-Orthodox. Lieberman's stance, while potentially breaking election promises, could pave the way for a coalition where Eisenkot might fail. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has not publicly stated his position, but is also expected to oppose a government reliant on Arab parties.
Behind the scenes, efforts are underway to form a coalition, with the understanding that another election would be detrimental to the Change Bloc, which achieved significant voter turnout. There is also concern that further elections could erode public trust in the electoral process, a scenario the bloc aims to avoid. The key to forming a government, as in recent years, appears to lie with the ultra-Orthodox parties, though the political path remains uncertain.
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