Eisenkot Sets Four Conditions for Government Formation

Gadi Eisenkot, tasked with forming Israel's next government, faces a challenging path, needing to navigate between parties that do not recognize Hamas as a terror organization and those representing a public increasingly alienated from Israel. He must also reconcile election promises, such as universal conscription including the ultra-Orthodox, with the possibility of a unity government with Benjamin Netanyahu, though the latter currently seems unlikely.

During the election campaign, Eisenkot indicated a willingness to rely on Arab parties for a minority government if necessary. However, this approach may not gain support from figures like Avigdor Lieberman or Naftali Bennett. Eisenkot has now presented four conditions for forming a government under his leadership: recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, adherence to the values of the Declaration of Independence, mandatory military or national service for all (a condition potentially opposed by the ultra-Orthodox), and recognition of Hamas as a terror organization (a condition potentially unacceptable to Ra'am).

These conditions primarily concern coalition partners, with the possibility of external support from parties not meeting these criteria for a minority government. Eisenkot has repeatedly mentioned a "emergency government," suggesting a swift move, though it is unclear if he can secure the required 61 Knesset seats. The ultra-Orthodox parties are expected to demand written commitments and may oppose any swift moves not coordinated with them. Arab parties have stated their primary goal is to oust Netanyahu.

Eisenkot's statement regarding "mandatory service for all, military, national, and civilian" might be an attempt to appease the ultra-Orthodox, potentially broadening the scope beyond just military conscription to include softer alternatives. Whether these new ideas are intended to pave the way for ultra-Orthodox inclusion remains to be seen.