Eisenkot Faces Tough Negotiations to Form Government

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yesh Atid party, has officially begun his 28-day mandate to form a government, aiming to replace the current administration led by Benjamin Netanyahu. The task is complicated by political deadlock and internal divisions within the "change bloc" that Eisenkot is part of.

Eisenkot's strategy involves seeking compromises, though he prioritizes forming a government without Netanyahu and sees unity government as a last resort. He is reportedly considering a minority government sworn in without full coalition negotiations, with a plan to challenge opponents by bringing the government to a vote and seeing who votes against it. While outwardly maintaining dialogue with his bloc partners, Eisenkot is reportedly frustrated by their perceived lack of adherence to his leadership and their exploration of parallel government options.

Eisenkot is strategically waiting for the Knesset Speaker position to transfer to the change bloc before advancing significant legislative actions. He will not declare success or push legislation until a new speaker is appointed, as current Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana remains in his post. The transfer of the speaker role is expected next week, after 61 signatures are gathered to call for a vote on a new speaker.

The change bloc faces difficult choices, having pledged during the election campaign to form a government without Arab parties, without Haredi parties, and without Netanyahu. Fulfilling these promises simultaneously appears impossible. Eisenkot is willing to form a minority government that relies on Arab parties, breaking one promise. Avigdor Lieberman, however, is reportedly leaning towards breaking the promise not to sit with Haredi parties, aiming to reform laws concerning them. Naftali Bennett has remained silent, but is not believed to favor a minority government with Arab parties. Yair Golan initially preferred a Jewish-Arab partnership but has recently signaled openness to cooperation with Haredi parties.

Eisenkot's team is working to achieve consensus within the bloc, acknowledging the need to play a high-stakes game of "chicken" to see who will ultimately oppose a government formation. The success of his 28-day mandate hinges on numerous external factors rather than solely on his actions.