Israel's "Change Bloc" Leaders Divided on Coalition Path
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Gadi Eisenkot, tasked with forming Israel's next government, faces deep divisions among the "change bloc" parties regarding coalition partners and key policy issues like Haredi conscription. While Eisenkot pushes for a swift government formation, Avigdor Lieberman insists on a majority coalition including Haredi parties, and Yair Golan keeps options open, including support from Arab parties. Naftali Bennett supports Eisenkot's goal but is pushing his "servants' revolution" agenda. The path to forming a government remains uncertain as negotiations continue.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot is tasked with forming a government but faces divisions among "change bloc" parties.
- Avigdor Lieberman opposes a minority government and seeks inclusion of Haredi parties.
- Yair Golan is open to support from Arab parties and doesn't rule out Haredi coalition.
- Naftali Bennett backs Eisenkot and promotes his "servants' revolution" initiative.
- The Haredi draft exemption law is a major point of contention in coalition talks.
- Eisenkot's mandate expires in four days, increasing pressure to form a government.
With four days remaining on his mandate to form a government, National Unity Party Chairman Gadi Eisenkot faces the complex task of uniting the "change bloc" parties into a coalition capable of winning Knesset confidence. While the four party leaders agree on the need to replace the Netanyahu government and avoid new elections, they are divided on key issues including coalition partners, the conscription of Haredim, and the possibility of forming a minority government.
Eisenkot aims to quickly swear in a government based on the four "change bloc" parties, leaving the door open for additional partners later. He has outlined four core principles for joining his government: recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, accepting the values of the Declaration of Independence, a service obligation for all, and recognizing Hamas as a terror organization. However, the issue of Haredi conscription remains a central point of contention, with Eisenkot's emphasis on service clashing with the Haredi parties' stance.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, opposes a minority government and seeks a coalition of at least 61 Knesset members, including the Haredi parties. He has lifted his previous veto on sitting with them and has given his partners the green light to negotiate on the Haredi draft exemption law. Lieberman also ruled out a rotation in the prime minister's seat.
Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Union, advocates for keeping options open, including potential support from Arab parties like Ra'am and the Joint List, even if it's external. He also doesn't rule out a government with the Haredi parties but insists on conditions regarding conscription and religion-state issues, stating his party won't compromise on core principles.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who has been largely silent, broke his silence to support Eisenkot's efforts to form a "Zionist correction government" and advance his "servants' revolution" initiative. His party has proposed legislation offering benefits to reservists, funded by halting transfers to households not participating in service or employment, a move that could complicate negotiations with Haredi parties.
The two main paths forward are Eisenkot's plan for a swift swearing-in of the "change bloc" parties, potentially without an immediate 61-member majority, and Lieberman's approach of securing Haredi support beforehand. The Haredi parties' positions remain uncertain, with United Torah Judaism having abstained from recommending Netanyahu, while Shas recommended him. The draft exemption law remains a significant hurdle, and any compromise will need to bridge vastly different viewpoints.
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