Coalition Talks Face Hurdles Over Minority Government, Haredi Dealings, Bennett's Stance
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Gadi Eisenkot has received the mandate to form a new Israeli government, but faces significant hurdles. Key disputes involve whether to form a minority government or seek deals with ultra-Orthodox parties, and the unclear position of Naftali Bennett. A prominent "change bloc" member also voiced opposition to potential conscription law compromises with the ultra-Orthodox. Negotiations are expected to be complex and could potentially extend close to the 91-day maximum timeframe.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot tasked with forming government amid disputes over minority rule vs. Haredi deals.
- Avigdor Lieberman seeks agreement with ultra-Orthodox parties, while Eisenkot considers minority government.
- A "change bloc" member opposes any new conscription law seen as insufficient.
- Naftali Bennett's stance on supporting a minority government with Arab parties remains unclear.
- Negotiations could last up to 91 days, with potential for prolonged talks to resolve disputes.
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, has been tasked by the President with forming a new government, but significant disagreements persist among potential coalition partners. A key dispute centers on whether to pursue a minority government or await agreements with the ultra-Orthodox parties. The timeline for forming the 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 attempt to agree on the next Knesset speaker.
Lieberman reportedly favors reaching understandings with the ultra-Orthodox parties as a prerequisite for government formation, while Eisenkot is open to a minority government supported by 48 lawmakers from the "change bloc." However, even if Lieberman and the ultra-Orthodox parties reach an agreement, another obstacle looms: a prominent member of the change bloc stated they would not support a new conscription law perceived as insufficient, emphasizing past opposition to similar legislation. This indicates potential internal dissent within the bloc regarding compromises on the conscription issue.
The uncertainty surrounding Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Yamina Party, adds another layer of complexity. Bennett has remained silent, despite his seven Knesset members being crucial for a change bloc government. He faces a dilemma: supporting a minority government reliant on Arab parties would contradict a clear election promise, while joining a government with ultra-Orthodox parties also goes against his campaign pledges. His indecision leaves potential partners without a definitive answer.
Some within the change bloc are considering a scenario where prolonged negotiations could resolve the Eisenkot-Lieberman dispute. This theory suggests that if Eisenkot fails to form a government, the mandate could pass to Benjamin Netanyahu. Only as the deadline approaches and the prospect of new elections becomes imminent might Lieberman agree to a minority government with Arab party support, aiming to prevent Netanyahu from leading the country to another election while still in office and influencing security matters.
Even a minority government might be temporary, with initial understandings suggesting it would serve for a short period before new elections. For Eisenkot, such a government could be a platform for implementing changes before returning to the polls. The path to forming a new government appears more complicated than initially hoped, with the "change bloc" needing to navigate disagreements with Lieberman, potential opposition to compromises with the ultra-Orthodox on conscription, and the unresolved stance of Bennett.
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