Israeli Coalition Talks Stall Amid Deep Divides on Government Formation
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Potential coalition partners Avigdor Lieberman and Gadi Eisenkot are divided over forming a new Israeli government, with disputes over a minority government versus deals with ultra-Orthodox parties. Gadi Eisenkot was tasked by the President to form the government, but disagreements persist, including over a new conscription law. If Eisenkot fails, the mandate may go to Benjamin Netanyahu, potentially leading Lieberman to accept a minority government with Arab parties to prevent Netanyahu's return.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman disagree on forming a new Israeli government.
- The primary dispute involves creating a minority government versus securing deals with ultra-Orthodox parties.
- A new conscription law exempting ultra-Orthodox from service faces internal opposition within the "bloc of change."
- If Gadi Eisenkot fails, Benjamin Netanyahu may receive the mandate to form a government.
- Avigdor Lieberman might agree to a minority government with Arab parties to prevent Netanyahu's return.
Disagreements persist between potential coalition partners Avigdor Lieberman and Gadi Eisenkot regarding the formation of a new Israeli government following recent Knesset elections. The task of forming a government has proven more complex than anticipated by the "bloc of change." President of Israel tasked Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yashar" party, with forming a cabinet on Sunday, but significant rifts remain among prospective coalition members. The primary dispute centers on whether to establish a minority government or to secure agreements with the ultra-Orthodox parties first. Additionally, Naftali Bennett's stance remains unclear. Eisenkot is scheduled to meet with Lieberman on Monday to discuss the nomination of a future Knesset speaker. Preparations for establishing the parliament's organizational committee will also commence then. The new Knesset is set to be sworn in on Tuesday, with a vote to change the speaker expected a week later. Eisenkot favors the possibility of a minority government supported by 48 "bloc of change" lawmakers, while Lieberman insists on prior agreements with the ultra-Orthodox parties. However, even reaching accords with the ultra-Orthodox parties may not resolve all obstacles. One influential figure within the "bloc of change," who has refrained from public statements at the request of party leaders, warned that he would not support a new conscription law if it effectively exempts the ultra-Orthodox from service. A "bloc of change" lawmaker echoed this sentiment, stating he would not back a conscription bill that exempts the ultra-Orthodox. According to this lawmaker, Lieberman might also abandon negotiations after reviewing the ultra-Orthodox parties' proposals. This indicates that even an agreement between party leaders does not guarantee full coalition support, as a compromise on conscription could spark internal opposition within the "bloc of change." The "bloc of change" acknowledges that delaying negotiations might help overcome the disagreements between Eisenkot and Lieberman. Should Eisenkot fail to form a government, the mandate could pass to Benjamin Netanyahu. In such a scenario, facing the threat of new elections, Lieberman might agree to a minority government supported by Arab parties to prevent Netanyahu from remaining in power. This government could be temporary, with new elections expected after a short period, according to agreements between Eisenkot and Hili Tropper. Before that, the cabinet could implement several changes.
Mentioned
