Eisenkot Vows Unity Government Amid Israel's Critical Juncture

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar Party and tasked with forming Israel's next government, announced that the country is at a critical turning point across security, strategic, economic, and international spheres. He described the current period as potentially one of the most challenging since Israel's founding. Eisenkot aims to swiftly establish a national emergency unity government, emphasizing his commitment to core principles: maintaining Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal, and egalitarian state. He plans to collaborate with partners from the "Be Yahad," "Democrats," and Yisrael Beiteinu (NDI) parties, extending an offer to any party that accepts his coalition's principles. A key demand will be the implementation of mandatory national service, military, national, or civil, for all citizens. Eisenkot did not explicitly mention ultra-Orthodox or Arab parties, but pledged to explore all options for coalition expansion to achieve broad national consensus. His party also intends to pursue the remaining war aims in Gaza, specifically targeting Hamas's military and civilian infrastructure. During a discussion on the balance of powers, Eisenkot briefly faltered when listing the branches of government, pausing with a smile before recalling the judicial system. Earlier reports indicated ongoing consultations to form a government without Benjamin Netanyahu, with Eisenkot and Lieberman discussing coalition prospects.