Unity Government Talks Stall Amidst Political Maneuvering
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Efforts to form an Israeli unity government are facing significant hurdles, with key figures like MK Benny Gantz canceling negotiations after feeling insulted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks. Avigdor Lieberman has also stated he will not join such a government. Ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding a halt to changes in religion-state affairs, beyond the conscription issue. Despite these challenges, Gantz's strategic appointment of Matan Kahana as Knesset Speaker is seen as an attempt to keep unity talks alive, while potential compromises on judicial reform are being discussed internally by the Likud.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Benny Gantz canceled unity government talks after feeling insulted by Prime Minister Netanyahu's remarks.
- Avigdor Lieberman stated he will not participate in a unity government, complicating negotiations.
- Ultra-Orthodox parties demand a halt to religion-state changes, not just concessions on conscription.
- MK Matan Kahana's appointment as Knesset Speaker is seen as a strategic move to keep unity talks open.
- The Likud is reportedly considering concessions on judicial reform, including Supreme Court justice appointments.
Efforts to form a unity government in Israel appear to be faltering, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stated desire for one. A recent event at the Sha'al Hall during the opening of the 26th Knesset session saw Netanyahu's remarks about Arab parties alienate MK Benny Gantz, a key figure in the negotiations. Gantz, feeling insulted, subsequently canceled a meeting with the Likud negotiation team. Adding to the complications, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, declared he would not participate in a unity government, further dimming prospects.
Despite these setbacks, the article suggests that hope for unity is not entirely lost, particularly through Gantz's actions. His insistence on appointing MK Matan Kahana as Knesset Speaker, rather than the more divisive options initially proposed by Lieberman, is seen as a strategic move to keep the door open for a unity government. The author argues that controlling the Knesset Speaker's office is crucial for forming a functional coalition, a point Gantz seemingly understood.
The article also delves into the demands of the ultra-Orthodox parties, primarily United Torah Judaism, in potential coalition talks. Beyond the contentious issue of military conscription, their core demand is to halt any changes to the status quo on religion and state, including public transportation on Shabbat and recognition of same-sex couples. They insist on a comprehensive agreement on all these issues before a government is sworn in, a stance that clashes with the approach of Gantz's bloc, which favors forming a government first and then addressing details.
Meanwhile, figures like Yair Golan and Yair Lapid, who are not directly involved in the current negotiations, have made public statements about potential progress. The article dismisses these claims, asserting that Lapid, in particular, is out of the loop. The piece also touches on Lieberman's strategic calculations, suggesting his shift towards engaging with the ultra-Orthodox is a calculated move based on his party's voter base, and reiterates his firm opposition to sitting with Netanyahu.
Discussions within the Prime Minister's office reportedly involve potential concessions to Gantz's bloc, including on judicial reform. A compromise on the selection of Supreme Court justices is seen as achievable, with the Likud willing to be flexible on the reform laws themselves if judicial appointments are agreed upon. However, the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the failures of the October 7th "Swords of Iron" war is presented as a significant challenge, as is the issue of rotation in the Prime Minister's office, which Netanyahu is said to be open to if serious negotiations commence.
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