Eisenkot Reports Breakthroughs in Coalition Talks, Warns Against Sabotage

Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of the National Unity Party, announced on Friday significant progress and "breakthroughs" in coalition negotiations among "change bloc" parties aimed at forming a new government. In a Facebook post, Eisenkot outlined his plan for an emergency national government and cautioned against personal motives that could delay its formation. He expressed hope to receive the mandate to form the government from President Yitzhak Herzog early next week, emphasizing Israel's "real, tangible, and dangerous state of emergency."

Eisenkot accused the Netanyahu government of harming Israeli democracy and managing the war for political gain, also citing a severe diplomatic crisis. He stressed the need for a swift swearing-in of a new government to prevent further elections and a prolonged caretaker government under Netanyahu. His proposed government would initially comprise the four "Zionist change and reform" parties: National Unity, Yesh Atid, National Union, and Yisrael Beiteinu, with the potential to expand later.

Key principles for joining the government include recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, accepting the values of the Declaration of Independence, a duty of service for all citizens (military, national, or civil), and acknowledging Hamas as a terror organization while committing to dismantling its military and governing power. Eisenkot stated he would invite all Knesset factions to join if they agree to these principles, even after the government is formed.

He noted that negotiations have been conducted quietly, with "more hidden than revealed," and that the 67 Knesset members who recommended him over Netanyahu at the Presidential Residence reflect public desire for change. Eisenkot warned that anyone attempting to obstruct the government's formation for personal reasons "will be remembered in history as someone who did not rise to the occasion and did not act to save Israel in a time of emergency. This will not be forgiven."

Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman, Chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, signaled willingness to compromise on the conscription law to form a government without Netanyahu, stating "national responsibility requires us to make difficult decisions and be prepared for painful compromises." However, Lieberman firmly opposes a minority government relying on the abstention of Arab parties like Ra'am and the Joint List, advocating for a 61-member coalition without them, potentially absorbing Likud members later. He denied pursuing a rotation agreement for the premiership.