Four Obstacles Block Bennett's Path to Right-Wing Bloc, Analyst Says

Journalist Amit Segal identifies four key obstacles preventing Naftali Bennett from joining a right-wing political bloc. Segal argues that Bennett's prior commitments to avoid relying on Arab parties and forming a government with ultra-Orthodox parties are now being tested during coalition negotiations.

Two parallel political processes are underway. Gadi Eisenkot is attempting to form a minority government with the support of Arab parties, including Ra'am. Simultaneously, Avigdor Lieberman is negotiating a 61-seat coalition that could include the ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and Yahadut HaTorah.

Segal's first obstacle is Yair Lapid, whose primary goal is to replace Benjamin Netanyahu regardless of coalition composition. Segal believes a renewed partnership between Bennett and Lapid is unlikely due to past disappointments. The second obstacle is Bennett's own party, which has shifted leftward to retain voters, excluding religious Zionists. The third obstacle is the electorate, as many voters may not forgive Bennett for potentially aligning with a Netanyahu government. The fourth and decisive factor, according to Segal, is that the right-wing bloc lacks the necessary 61 votes even with potential supporters.

Meanwhile, the article notes that new elections could negatively impact whoever is deemed responsible for calling them. Netanyahu's options are limited, as a temporary government without a parliamentary majority hinders his ability to offer positions and sway lawmakers. Initially planning a conciliatory speech, Netanyahu adopted a harsher tone after intervention from his inner circle, including Sara Netanyahu, MK Yakov Bardugo, and advisor Natan Eshel.

Ultra-Orthodox parties are considering Lieberman's proposal, but unity is lacking. A prominent Hasidic leader opposes a coalition with left-wing parties, complicating negotiations with Meir Porush. Analysis by TrendZone of nearly 6 million votes indicates minimal shifts, with about 51,000 voters from Likud and Religious Zionism moving to Eisenkot, Lieberman, and Bennett, while 18,000 moved the other way. The study estimates 99% of voters maintained their political preferences.

Previous reports highlighted accusations against Bennett and Lieberman for delaying government formation, with Channel 12's Zion Nanous criticizing their lack of urgency. Additionally, Eisenkot faced the threat of failure in forming a government, despite securing 67 supporting lawmakers in consultations with President Herzog, due to disagreements with Bennett and Lieberman, particularly Lieberman's refusal to support a minority government dependent on Arab parties.