Eisenkot's Move Signals Readiness for Unity Government with Netanyahu, Analyst Claims
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Commentator Ze'ev Kam suggests that despite public disputes, Gadi Eisenkot's actions, such as appointing a new Knesset Speaker, indicate a continued openness to a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding a halt to religious reforms as a condition for joining, while Lieberman has shifted his stance on potential coalition partners. Key issues like judicial reform and the prime minister rotation remain points of contention, with direct negotiations yet to gain significant traction.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot's actions suggest a continued openness to a unity government with Benjamin Netanyahu, according to commentator Ze'ev Kam.
- Eisenkot reportedly canceled coalition talks with Likud after feeling humiliated by Netanyahu's remarks at a Knesset ceremony.
- Ultra-Orthodox parties demand a freeze on religious and state reforms as a condition for joining any government.
- Avigdor Lieberman has shifted his focus towards potential ultra-Orthodox partners instead of Arab factions.
- Potential compromises on judicial reform and the prime minister rotation are being discussed internally.
- Eisenkot's initial plan for rapid government formation has faced significant delays.
Despite public pronouncements and parliamentary disputes, behind-the-scenes negotiations may be paving the way for a unity government, according to commentator Ze'ev Kam writing for Makkorishon. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the Knesset's opening ceremony seemed to alienate Gadi Eisenkot, head of the National Unity Party, Kam suggests this may be a facade. Eisenkot reportedly felt humiliated by Netanyahu's remarks about Arab parties, leading him to cancel coalition talks with the Likud. This, coupled with statements from Avigdor Lieberman opposing a unity government and clashes between Naftali Bennett and Netanyahu, appeared to dim prospects for unity.
This is compared to Benny Gantz's past actions when he became speaker to enable unity talks.
Kam dismisses claims of significant progress from figures like Yair Golan and Yair Lapid, suggesting they are out of the loop. He highlights that the ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly United Torah Judaism, are demanding a complete freeze on religious and state reforms, including public transport on Saturdays and recognition of same-sex couples, as a condition for joining a government. This demand effectively means shelving the secular bloc's election agenda.
Lieberman's recent shift towards considering ultra-Orthodox parties, rather than Arab factions, is seen as a strategic move, possibly influenced by Eisenkot's current approach. However, Lieberman has vowed not to sit with Netanyahu, a promise Kam believes he will keep. Meanwhile, discussions within the Prime Minister's office suggest potential compromises on issues like the conscription law and judicial reform, with a power-sharing agreement on Supreme Court appointments being a possible breakthrough.
The rotation of the prime ministership remains a contentious issue, with Netanyahu publicly opposing it but potentially open to it if serious negotiations commence. Currently, direct dialogue is lacking, with President Isaac Herzog seen as a potential mediator. Eisenkot's initial plan for a swift government formation has been delayed, indicating the complexity of the ongoing negotiations.
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