Netanyahu's Former Advisor Claims PM Is Panicked Over Opposition Leader's Government Prospects

Nir Hefetz, a former advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that the Prime Minister is experiencing "panic" regarding the possibility of Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, successfully forming the next government. Hefetz suggested that Netanyahu's call for a national unity government might be an attempt to preserve his long-standing alliance with the Haredi parties and prevent them from shifting their support to Eisenkot's bloc. Speaking on Tuesday to 103FM radio, Hefetz described "panic as a central factor in Netanyahu's decision-making," envisioning a frantic atmosphere in the Prime Minister's office with frequent calls from family members, including his wife Sara and son Yair, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Hefetz explained that Netanyahu becomes agitated when his personal standing is threatened, and the prospect of losing power causes significant anxiety for him and his family, accustomed as they are to positions of prominence and global recognition.

Regarding Netanyahu's call for a national unity government, Hefetz believes it is linked to maintaining the current coalition between the Likud and Haredi parties, preventing its dissolution in favor of the bloc Eisenkot is trying to assemble. Hefetz posited that Netanyahu's plan is to "prevent the historic alliance between him and the Haredim from breaking," noting that if Arab parties are excluded from the political equation, neither bloc can secure a parliamentary majority without Haredi support, which has enabled Netanyahu's stable rule since 2015. Hefetz interpreted Netanyahu's initial move to exclude Arab parties from the political equation as a rejection of their support in forming the next government.

These statements come as Eisenkot continues his efforts to form a government after being tasked with the role, seeking to broaden his political base. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has advocated for a unity government including Zionist parties and has attacked the idea of relying on Arab parties. Hefetz suggested that Netanyahu might be forced to make greater concessions as Eisenkot progresses in his negotiations and his chances of forming a government increase. Netanyahu's call for unity, Hefetz added, could also be a tactic to slow Eisenkot's progress and halt what he called a "snowball effect." He pointed to the potential for proposals like the "French Law" for an alternate prime minister as part of possible political negotiations.

Comparing Eisenkot to former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Hefetz stated that Netanyahu recognizes Eisenkot's different nature and believes Eisenkot does not fear him and will not be as easily managed. Hefetz relayed that MK Eliezer Stern said Eisenkot told him that after his wartime experiences, "nothing can touch him anymore," and that Netanyahu understands this about Eisenkot. Hefetz sees Eisenkot's ability to rally political partners as crucial to his government-forming efforts, particularly his relationship with the Haredi parties and the assurances he can offer them during negotiations, which could influence their decision to join the next coalition. In this context, Hefetz mentioned that Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, is proceeding with negotiations based on commitments received from Eisenkot, suggesting that without these guarantees, Lieberman might have taken steps to obstruct Eisenkot's efforts.