Coalition Talks Face Hurdles Over Minority Government, Haredi Dealings, Bennett's Stance
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Gadi Eisenkot has been tasked with forming Israel's next government, but faces significant hurdles. Key disagreements exist between Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman regarding a minority government versus a deal with Haredi parties. A prominent "change bloc" member opposes any perceived conscription loophole, and Naftali Bennett's stance remains unclear, potentially jeopardizing support for either government type. Negotiations could extend, possibly leading to a minority government scenario to prevent further elections under Benjamin Netanyahu.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot tasked with forming government amid disputes over minority vs. Haredi coalition.
- Avigdor Lieberman seeks Haredi agreement, while Eisenkot considers minority government.
- A "change bloc" member vows to oppose any insufficient conscription law compromise.
- Naftali Bennett's unclear position on supporting minority or Haredi-inclusive government is a major obstacle.
- Negotiations may prolong, potentially leading to a minority government to avoid new elections.
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, has been tasked with forming a new government, but significant disagreements persist among potential partners. A key dispute centers on whether to pursue a minority government or await agreements with the Haredi parties. The timeline for forming a government has begun, with Eisenkot having 28 days, extendable by another 14. A meeting is scheduled between Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, to discuss the next Knesset speaker.
Lieberman favors reaching agreements with the Haredi parties as a condition for government formation, while Eisenkot is open to a minority government supported by 48 lawmakers from the "change bloc." However, even if Lieberman agrees to negotiate with the Haredi parties, another obstacle arises: a prominent member of the change bloc stated they would not support a new conscription law perceived as insufficient. This indicates potential internal opposition within the bloc to any compromise on the conscription issue with the Haredi parties.
The position of Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Yamina Party, remains unclear. His seven Knesset members are crucial for forming a government. Bennett faces a dilemma: supporting a minority government reliant on Arab parties would contradict a campaign promise, as would joining a government with the Haredi parties. He has not yet clarified which path he will choose, leaving potential partners uncertain.
Some within the change bloc are considering a scenario where prolonged negotiations could resolve the deadlock. If Eisenkot fails to form a government, the mandate could pass to Benjamin Netanyahu. Only as the deadline approaches and the possibility of new elections becomes imminent might Lieberman agree to a minority government with Arab party support, aiming to prevent Netanyahu from continuing as prime minister and influencing security policy.
This minority government, however, might be temporary. Understandings reached between Eisenkot and Chili Tropper suggest such a government would serve for a short period before new elections. Eisenkot may see this as an opportunity to implement changes before returning to the polls. The path to forming a new government is proving more complex than anticipated, with the "change bloc" needing to navigate disagreements with Lieberman, potential opposition to conscription compromises, and uncertainty surrounding Bennett's stance.
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