Arab Nations Favor Haredi Parties in Potential Eisenkot Government
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Arab diplomats are reportedly favoring a potential Israeli government led by Gadi Eisenkot that includes Haredi parties, seeing them as more convenient partners than right-wing factions. They believe Haredi parties are less likely to pursue territorial expansion, which is a concern regarding ministers like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. The diplomats also suggest a Haredi-inclusive government could be more stable and easier to work with for regional initiatives. Conscription is expected to be a key issue in negotiations between Eisenkot and the Haredi parties.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Arab diplomats prefer Haredi parties over right-wing factions in a potential Gadi Eisenkot government.
- Haredi parties are seen as more convenient partners due to a lack of "territorial aspirations."
- Diplomats believe Haredi inclusion could enhance government stability and regional cooperation.
- Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are perceived as pushing for territorial expansion, causing concern.
- Conscription is anticipated to be a major point of negotiation between Eisenkot and Haredi parties.
Diplomats from an Arab nation maintaining relations with Israel are closely observing political developments regarding the potential formation of a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, which could include Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties. According to a report by Kan News, these diplomats view such a coalition as a positive development and have expressed a preference for a government supported by Haredi parties over one involving right-wing parties led by Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
In private discussions, the diplomats reportedly stated that Haredi parties would be more "convenient" partners for Arab nations because they are not associated with the "territorial aspirations" attributed to current ministers. They perceive Ben-Gvir and Smotrich as pushing for settlement expansion and increased Israeli presence in areas including Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank. In contrast, Haredi parties are not expected to obstruct the advancement of political settlements, according to these sources.
Beyond the political aspect, the diplomats believe that the inclusion of Haredi parties in an Eisenkot-led government could contribute to its stability. They see this composition as potentially more conducive to managing relations with Israel and advancing regional initiatives. The discussions are occurring amidst ongoing negotiations between Eisenkot and Haredi parties concerning the possibility of forming a new government.
A senior official from the Change bloc indicated after a meeting of bloc leaders that all present agreed that a government relying on Arab parties would not be formed, but that discussions with Haredi factions were necessary. The issue of conscription is expected to be a central topic in negotiations between Eisenkot and the Haredi parties, with Eisenkot intending to base his approach on his party's conscription plan.
Mentioned
