Netanyahu Calls for National Unity Government Amid Coalition Maneuvering
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a national unity government, warning against relying on Arab parties for support. Meanwhile, Gadi Eisenkot is expected to receive the mandate to form a government, facing potential hurdles with Avigdor Lieberman over a minority government. Quiet discussions have also occurred regarding support for Lieberman as prime minister in exchange for concessions on Haredi conscription. Protests erupted against a government potentially backed by Arab parties.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a national unity government, warning against reliance on Arab parties.
- Gadi Eisenkot is expected to be tasked with forming a government, facing potential disagreements with Avigdor Lieberman.
- Right-wing activists protested in Tel Aviv against a government potentially supported by Arab parties.
- Quiet talks reportedly explored supporting Avigdor Lieberman for prime minister in exchange for Haredi conscription concessions.
- Shas will not obstruct a "change bloc" government if United Torah Judaism supports it.
Amidst dramatic developments in coalition formation talks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a national unity government that would include all parties from the "national camp" alongside Zionist opposition parties. In a special statement, Netanyahu warned against forming a government reliant on the support of Arab factions, asserting that such a government could not effectively combat terrorism. Following Netanyahu's remarks, Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed the call for unity.
Political commentators noted a subtle semantic shift in Netanyahu's wording, suggesting he deliberately avoided explicitly stating a government "under his leadership." Meanwhile, Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli sharply criticized the opposition's campaign, and Minister of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience Gideon Sa'ar stated that all parties in the national camp would be invited to participate in unity efforts. In response to these developments, right-wing activists organized protests in central Tel Aviv against the possibility of a government supported by Arab parties.
Concurrently, intense negotiations are underway on the other side of the political spectrum. Reports indicate that the President is expected to task Member of Knesset Gadi Eisenkot with forming the government, though difficulties have arisen due to disagreements with Member of Knesset Avigdor Lieberman regarding the formation of a minority government. It has also been revealed that "Lieberman's team," including his Haredi advisor Avi Abuchatzeira, has held quiet discussions in recent months with senior Haredi figures. These talks reportedly explored the possibility of supporting Lieberman for prime minister in exchange for resolving the conscription issue and freezing enforcement measures.
Additionally, sources within the Council of Torah Sages of Shas clarified that the party would not obstruct a "change bloc" government if United Torah Judaism chose to support it, potentially paving the way for new political cooperation.
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