Israeli Opposition Faces Internal Strife as Coalition Talks Stall

As Gadi Eisenkot prepares to receive the mandate to form a new government, significant internal divisions are emerging within the opposition bloc, threatening to derail coalition efforts. Despite initial unanimous support for Eisenkot's candidacy from four party leaders, public disagreements have intensified, particularly between Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu. President Yitzhak Herzog is expected to task Eisenkot with forming a coalition on Sunday, granting him an initial 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension.

Key disagreements center on Lieberman's staunch opposition to forming a minority government reliant on the support of Arab parties, a scenario Eisenkot is reportedly considering. While the opposition collectively holds 67 Knesset seats compared to Netanyahu's 46, forming a stable coalition proves challenging. Lieberman has publicly criticized Eisenkot's campaign, blaming him for the opposition's election results, and has also shifted his stance on negotiating with ultra-Orthodox parties regarding military conscription, a move that has alienated some within the bloc.

Eisenkot, in response, emphasized the urgent need for a government to address Israel's pressing issues, referring to a "national emergency government" rather than a minority one. He indicated his intention to proceed with forming a coalition based on the "change bloc" parties, while warning against personal agendas delaying the process.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, head of the Yamina bloc, has adopted a more reserved approach, urging swift action, including replacing the current Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. However, his silence on Lieberman's concessions to ultra-Orthodox parties has drawn criticism from supporters who expected him to champion universal military service.

Adding to the pressure, Prime Minister Netanyahu's allies have targeted Yonatan Shalev, a young reserve soldier representative from Bennett's list, with criticism. Bennett's party director-general, Bruria Naim Arman, clarified that Bennett still supports Eisenkot but does not necessarily endorse all partners' statements, advocating for patience in negotiations.

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, expressed optimism about coalition prospects, noting progress in talks between his party and Eisenkot's. However, he cautioned against a "unity government," advocating instead for a "change coalition" to fulfill electoral promises. The opposition also aims to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana after the new parliament is sworn in, but internal divisions must be overcome to finalize a coalition agreement.