Netanyahu Faces War Option After Eisenkot Tapped to Form Government
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Gadi Eisenkot has been tasked with forming Israel's next government, facing deep divisions within the political system. Two potential coalition models have been proposed: one led by Eisenkot with Arab party support, and another by Avigdor Lieberman. Analysts warn that delays could benefit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, potentially leading to new elections. The security implications of any new government, particularly minority or fragile coalitions, are a significant concern, with experts debating the capacity to handle regional threats and the priority of national security over diplomacy.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot tasked with forming Israel's next government amid sharp political divisions.
- Two coalition models proposed: Eisenkot-led with Arab support or Lieberman-led with Haredi backing.
- Analysts warn prolonged deadlock could benefit Netanyahu and lead to new elections.
- Minority governments would face significant challenges in making sensitive security decisions.
- Experts doubt Netanyahu would launch a new war as a political distraction due to complexity.
- National security and deterrence are paramount for Israeli citizens, overriding diplomatic concerns.
The Israeli political landscape is experiencing rapid developments following the President's tasking of Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government. This comes amid sharp divisions over the composition of the upcoming coalition, debates on political settlement prospects, and the handling of regional security threats. The implications of this appointment for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies are significant.
Yariv Oppenheimer, former head of the Peace Now movement, outlined two main options for the "change bloc": a government led by Eisenkot, supported by Arab parties including the United Arab List, or a government led by Avigdor Lieberman, backed by Haredi parties with external support from Arab parties. Oppenheimer warned that prolonged political deadlock could ultimately benefit Netanyahu, pushing the country towards new early elections.
Kobi Levi, a former advisor in the Israeli Ministry of Defense, identified Netanyahu's attempts to dismantle his former bloc by proposing a "national unity government" as a key challenge. Levi suggested Netanyahu aims to gain time and prevent Eisenkot from forming a successful government, believing new elections could reshuffle the right-wing political cards. He also noted that any minority government would struggle with sensitive security and military decisions due to regional complexities.
Regarding security implications, Levi dismissed the possibility of Netanyahu initiating a new war with Iran or neighboring countries as a political distraction, citing the complex security situation. He argued that a fragile or minority government would lack the capacity for large-scale military operations without national consensus.
Oppenheimer highlighted that figures like Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, and Avigdor Lieberman possess strong military and security backgrounds. He stressed that the upcoming agenda extends beyond ousting Netanyahu to reshaping Israeli domestic and foreign policies, rebuilding international relations, and seriously engaging with political initiatives and proposed settlements for Gaza, supported by the US administration.
Conversely, Levi emphasized that ignoring the strategic Iranian threat and the absence of decisive action against armed groups are critical flaws in the "change bloc's" approach. He asserted that for Israeli citizens, national security and deterrence capabilities remain the absolute priority over external diplomatic considerations.
Mentioned
