Netanyahu Worries Ultra-Orthodox Parties May Back Eisenkot's Government Bid
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fears ultra-Orthodox parties may support Gadi Eisenkot's government formation efforts, a concern heightened after a meeting with MK Yaakov Asher. Political commentator Ben Caspit doubts Likud's claims of preventing this alignment, suggesting Netanyahu remains skeptical. Coalition talks are complicated by Avigdor Lieberman's opposition to potential Arab faction support. The key issue of drafting yeshiva students into the IDF remains unresolved.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu fears ultra-Orthodox parties may support Gadi Eisenkot's government bid.
- Commentator Ben Caspit doubts Likud's claims of preventing ultra-Orthodox alignment with Eisenkot.
- A meeting between Netanyahu and MK Yaakov Asher reportedly intensified the Prime Minister's concerns.
- Avigdor Lieberman's opposition to potential Arab faction support complicates coalition talks.
- The drafting of yeshiva students into the IDF remains a major obstacle to forming a government.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is concerned that ultra-Orthodox parties might support the formation of a government led by opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot. These fears have reportedly intensified following a meeting between Netanyahu and Knesset Member Yaakov Asher, despite earlier reports from within the Likud party suggesting they had successfully dissuaded the ultra-Orthodox from aligning with Eisenkot's bloc. Political commentator Ben Caspit, writing for Maariv, expressed doubt about the Likud's claims, suggesting Netanyahu himself was unconvinced by Asher's evasive responses during their discussion. Caspit also noted that the ongoing uncertainty surrounding coalition formation is exacerbated by Avigdor Lieberman's opposition to a potential government that might rely on Arab factions, further complicating negotiations. The commentator speculated that this political instability might have influenced Netanyahu's sharp rhetoric in a Knesset speech on November 10. Following the October 27 elections, President Isaac Herzog tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government, a mandate supported by 67 Knesset members. However, securing a stable coalition remains challenging, with the issue of drafting yeshiva students into the IDF being a significant hurdle. The ultra-Orthodox parties' stance on this matter is still undecided.
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