MK Sets Four Conditions for Government Formation, Invites All Knesset Factions

The MK has announced four core principles for forming a new government: recognizing Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal, and equal state; adhering to the values of the Declaration of Independence; imposing mandatory service on all citizens; and designating Hamas as a terrorist organization with the aim of dismantling its military and governmental capabilities in Gaza. The MK stated that any Member of Knesset who accepts these principles is welcome to join his effort to establish a broad, "Zionist and responsible" government, which he intends to use to enact governmental change and prevent Benjamin Netanyahu's return to the premiership. This initiative follows the recent Israeli elections, which resulted in neither political bloc securing the 61-seat majority needed to form a government. Netanyahu's bloc won 53 seats, while the opposing Zionist parties garnered 48, and Arab lists obtained 19 seats, potentially giving the MK the support of 67 MKs. The election results place Arab parties in a pivotal position, with the United Arab List and the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality signaling their willingness to recommend the MK for the premiership, though not necessarily to join his coalition. However, the MK's conditions, particularly regarding the recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, mandatory service for all, and the stance on Hamas, raise questions about the potential participation of Arab parties. The MK has previously expressed doubt that Arab parties would accept these principles, ruling out their inclusion in his government under these terms. The mandatory service requirement presents another challenge, especially concerning the ongoing debate over exemptions for Haredi yeshiva students. The MK has made ending disparities in service burdens a central theme of his political platform, advocating for a law mandating military, national, or civil service for all citizens. This issue also affects the Haredi parties, who abstained from recommending a prime minister candidate during presidential consultations due to disputes with Netanyahu. Meanwhile, opposition parties have shown openness to discussing their potential inclusion in the next coalition. The MK has pledged to move quickly to leverage the anti-Netanyahu parliamentary majority, calling for an official inquiry into failures preceding the October 7, 2023, attack, advancing the mandatory service law, and repealing judicial overhaul legislation passed by the current government. Despite this, divisions persist within the opposition regarding the structure of the next government and the extent of cooperation with Arab parties, with some leaders opposing reliance on their parliamentary support while others deem it essential for an alternative government. President Isaac Herzog is set to continue consultations with parliamentary factions to determine the candidate tasked with forming the government, with the MK expected to receive the mandate following recommendations from 67 MKs, including representatives from Arab parties.