Israeli "Change Bloc" Negotiates Concessions for New Government

The Israeli "change bloc" is actively pursuing the formation of a new government, with party chairman Yair Lapid acknowledging that significant political concessions may be necessary and the process could take additional time. Lapid stated on Thursday evening that forming a government is an irreversible goal, emphasizing that failing to establish an alternative government would represent a dereliction of national responsibility. He indicated that negotiations might not fulfill all participating parties' demands but stressed that differences would not prevent a coalition agreement. Lapid added that reaching understandings requires all sides to compromise, noting the government might not meet all its commitments in its first six months. He referenced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's experience in forming coalitions, suggesting the initial step is establishing the government, followed by improving its performance and expanding its support base. Lapid asserted that the relationships within the change bloc are stronger than they appear and that the parties remain committed to the goal of forming a government.

To garner support from Haredi parties, the change bloc, led by Gadi Eisenkot, is reportedly preparing a proposal for the United Torah Judaism party. This proposal includes a one-year suspension of conscription procedures for young Haredim and arrests of draft dodgers. This period would be used to formulate a new conscription law acceptable to all political factions. This move aims to bypass the immediate difficulty of passing a new law that satisfies Haredi demands before the government is formed, seeking temporary arrangements to overcome this hurdle during negotiations.

Simultaneously, the possibility of a political partnership with the United Arab List, led by Mansour Abbas, remains on the table for the change bloc, despite internal disagreements on the nature of this relationship. Recent days have seen intensive contacts between change bloc figures and United Arab List leaders regarding the conditions for the Arab list's support of the next government, notably the recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization. According to reports, Abbas has given initial approval to this condition, proposed by Eisenkot as a prerequisite for government formation. However, he linked this to the change bloc's genuine commitment to establishing a substantive political partnership, not merely securing parliamentary support. Representatives from the Democratic Party and Eisenkot's party are involved in these efforts to bridge the gap. Some factions within the change bloc are also considering a form of cooperation with the Joint List, without necessarily joining the government coalition.

Mansour Abbas did not deny these contacts, stating during a United Arab List faction meeting that his party's position will be clarified during government formation talks and announced within that framework. Eisenkot's efforts face challenges in reconciling diverse demands. While negotiations with the Haredim involve suspending conscription measures, the partnership with Arab parties continues to cause internal divisions within the change bloc. Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, is a significant factor due to his opposition to relying on Arab party support for government formation. Eisenkot is thus engaged in multifaceted negotiations, needing to reach understandings with the Haredim and find an acceptable formula for cooperation with Arab parties, all while maintaining the cohesion of his bloc. These developments indicate that the battle to form the government is no longer confined to agreements within the change bloc but also depends on its ability to overcome deep ideological and political differences and secure a parliamentary majority to grant the new government a vote of confidence.