Eisenkot Bloc Passes First Knesset Test With Arab Party Support; Netanyahu Pushes Unity Government

Gadi Eisenkot's Change bloc successfully navigated its first parliamentary test in the Knesset on Wednesday, securing approval for the organizing committee's composition with the support of Arab Knesset members. The proposal, put forward by committee chairman Roee Folkman, passed with 63 votes in favor and 50 against, reflecting a new power dynamic in the Israeli parliament following recent elections.

The approved committee will have 22 members, with representation allocated based on Knesset membership. The Likud party will receive five seats, "Yesh Atid" four, while "Meretz," the Joint List, "Democrats," and "Ra'am" will each get two seats. "Yisrael Beiteinu," "Otzma Yehudit," "Yahadut HaTorah," "Shas," and the "Religious Zionism" party will each have one seat.

An alternative proposal by Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz for an 18-member committee was rejected. The organizing committee holds significant power, especially between elections and government formation, as it approves permanent parliamentary committees and can form temporary ones, including those for finance, foreign affairs, and security.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his call for a national unity government on Wednesday. This comes after a speech where he attacked Arab parties and the possibility of their inclusion in a future government. Netanyahu emphasized the need for national unity to face current security and political challenges, drawing parallels to past moments of Israeli solidarity during wartime.

Following Netanyahu's critical speech, Gadi Eisenkot announced the cancellation of scheduled coalition negotiations with Likud representatives. Eisenkot's bloc accused Netanyahu of exacerbating divisions and misusing the swearing-in ceremony for new Knesset members. Netanyahu's speech questioned the political aims of Arab parties and criticized the Change bloc's efforts to form a government with Ra'am's support. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett interrupted Netanyahu during his speech, questioning his advisors and the investigation into the October 7th events.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for understanding between Netanyahu and Eisenkot, suggesting that agreements could be reached. However, he opposed a government reliant on Arab parties, arguing that such a coalition would not recognize Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Despite his calls for unity, Netanyahu has not indicated any willingness to make political concessions or discuss a rotation in the prime ministership. He previously released a video on Monday advocating for a unity government including all his bloc's parties, asserting the Likud's right to lead the next government due to its larger mandate. These developments occur amidst ongoing consultations for forming a new government, with Netanyahu's bloc failing to secure a majority and Eisenkot's bloc seeking parliamentary support from various parties, including Arab ones.