Eisenkot and Lieberman to Negotiate Government Formation Amidst Deep Divisions

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, and Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, are scheduled to meet on Monday, November 9th, to discuss government formation and coordinate the next steps for their bloc. This meeting follows Eisenkot's receipt of the mandate to form a government and precedes the swearing-in of the new Knesset members. A key point of contention between Eisenkot and Lieberman is the possibility of forming a minority government supported externally by Arab parties, a scenario Lieberman vehemently opposes, stating it would harm security and potentially return Netanyahu to power. Lieberman has, however, softened his stance on cooperating with ultra-Orthodox parties.

Eisenkot's proposal is to first swear in a government based on four parties within their bloc, then invite other factions to join. His conditions for participation include accepting four principles: recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, adherence to the Declaration of Independence, mandatory national service for all, and designating Hamas as a terrorist organization with the goal of dismantling its military capabilities and rule in Gaza. Another significant disagreement concerns the issue of conscription into the IDF, with Eisenkot insisting on mandatory service for all, while Lieberman expresses willingness to compromise with the ultra-Orthodox.

Lieberman, responding to criticism on social media, clarified that his willingness to compromise does not mean abandoning principles. He accused critics of attributing malicious motives to him and suggested that those attacking his attempts to negotiate with Orthodox parties would prefer a government reliant on parties like Ra'am and the United Arab List, whose members he claims identify with Hamas. He reiterated his firm opposition to a minority government, emphasizing his commitment to the state's security and preventing Netanyahu's return.

Lieberman acknowledged that difficult decisions and flexibility are needed to avoid new elections and end the Netanyahu era, but stressed that understanding does not equate to abandoning principles. He suggested that while the principle of conscription for all remains his preference, the election results necessitate exploring compromise, potentially based on previous proposals. He noted that even his 2018 conscription law proposal would require adjustments post-October 7th events, but affirmed his commitment to the conscription principle and improving benefits for career soldiers and reservists.

According to Ynet political analyst Moran Azulai, Lieberman's current path involves forming a 61-seat government with the Orthodox parties or facing new elections, while he conducts independent contacts with them. Meanwhile, Eisenkot is promoting an emergency government of 48 seats. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion is reportedly acting as an intermediary, though he stated he is abroad and not involved. Lieberman's plan involves bringing United Torah Judaism into the coalition first, followed by Shas, which is necessary to reach a 61-seat majority. Eisenkot faces a choice between insisting on a minority government with Ra'am's external support, risking a clash with Lieberman, or adopting Lieberman's plan, which would make the government dependent on the Orthodox parties and their demands, particularly regarding conscription.