Israel's "Change Bloc" Leaders Divided on Coalition Path as Mandate Deadline Looms

With four days remaining on his mandate to form a government, Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yamina party, 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, significant disagreements persist regarding coalition partners, the arrangement for Haredi conscription, and the viability of a minority government.

Eisenkot aims for a swift government formation, proposing a two-stage process: first, swearing in a government based on the four "change bloc" parties, followed by gradually incorporating additional parties and MKs who agree to core principles. These principles include recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, upholding the Declaration of Independence, mandating service for all (military, national, or civil), and acknowledging Hamas as a terror organization. However, the core issue of Haredi conscription remains a major hurdle, with Eisenkot's service requirement clashing with Haredi demands.

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, opposes a minority government reliant on Arab parties and insists on a coalition of at least 61 MKs. He has lifted his previous veto on negotiating with Haredi parties regarding the conscription law, signaling a willingness to compromise. However, he rules out a rotation in the prime minister's role, stating the government leader must have full authority for the term.

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, advocates for keeping options open, including potential support from Arab parties, even if from outside the coalition. He has met with Mansour Abbas of Ra'am and representatives of the Joint List. Golan also doesn't rule out a government with Haredi parties but insists on shared responsibility regarding conscription and religion-state issues, stating his party won't concede on core principles.

Naftali Bennett, former prime minister, has broken his relative 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 payments to households not participating in service or employment, a move that could complicate negotiations with Haredi parties.

The primary challenge remains bridging the gap between the desire for rapid government formation and the need for a stable parliamentary majority. Eisenkot's plan allows for a minority government initially, while Lieberman pushes for a pre-formed majority coalition including Haredi parties. The Haredi parties themselves present a mixed picture, with United Torah Judaism having abstained from recommending Netanyahu, while Shas recommended him, making their potential inclusion in an Eisenkot-led government uncertain. The conscription law remains a central point of contention, with any compromise needing to satisfy vastly different demands.