Lieberman Closes Path to Power, Eisenkot Faces Limited Options
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Gadi Eisenkot's efforts to form a coalition government are complicated by Avigdor Lieberman's opposition to a minority government and his push for ultra-Orthodox inclusion. Lieberman's stance, which may involve compromises on issues like the military draft, leaves Eisenkot with limited options: either form a government with the ultra-Orthodox parties or face new elections. The ultra-Orthodox parties, holding 13 mandates, are now seen as crucial to forming a majority, while Naftali Bennett's position remains unstated but is expected to align with Lieberman's opposition to Arab party reliance. New elections are considered a poor outcome for the opposition bloc.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman opposes a minority government, pushing for ultra-Orthodox inclusion in a 61-seat coalition.
- Gadi Eisenkot's coalition options are limited to ultra-Orthodox support or new elections, according to analysis.
- Ultra-Orthodox parties, with 13 mandates, are now key to forming a majority government.
- Naftali Bennett is expected to oppose any government reliant on Arab parties.
- New elections are seen as a negative outcome for the opposition bloc.
- Lieberman's stance may signal a shift from previous campaign promises.
Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar! party, faces a shrinking path to forming a coalition government, with ultra-Orthodox parties holding 13 Knesset mandates now potentially key. Political maneuvering by Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, has effectively signaled to Eisenkot that his plan for a government supported by 48 opposition lawmakers is unfeasible. Lieberman stated this week that he is categorically against a minority government relying on the abstention of Arab parties during votes.
Lieberman now advocates for a 61-seat majority government that includes the ultra-Orthodox parties as a bloc, suggesting flexibility and compromise on issues like the military draft law. This marks a potential shift, as he previously had disagreements with these parties. The support of both the seven-mandate Yahadut HaTorah and the six-mandate Shas parties would be necessary for the opposition bloc to secure the required votes.
While forming a coalition with the ultra-Orthodox is acknowledged as extremely difficult within the opposition, some see a hopeful sign in Yahadut HaTorah's decision not to recommend any candidate for prime minister to the president. This could indicate a willingness to consider alternative arrangements. Lieberman's current stance appears to abandon a previous campaign promise, though he may be preparing public opinion for this change.
Naftali Bennett remains a significant player whose position on coalition formation is still undeclared. However, it is speculated that Bennett, like Lieberman, will not support a government dependent on Arab parties. This has significantly reduced the opposition bloc's room for maneuver, leaving Eisenkot with only two apparent scenarios: forming a government with all ultra-Orthodox parties or facing new elections.
Eisenkot has reportedly pledged not to prolong coalition talks if he receives the mandate, stating he will return it if no agreement is reached. Despite ongoing negotiations and various proposals, many lack a high chance of success. New elections are viewed as detrimental to the opposition bloc, potentially failing to mobilize additional voters and risking intensified challenges to election results by the Likud party. Ultimately, the ultra-Orthodox parties hold significant influence over the formation of the next government, though the path to a coalition agreement remains challenging.
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