Eisenkot Faces Challenges in First Week of Coalition Talks

One week after receiving a mandate from President Yitzhak Herzog to form a new Israeli government, Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, faces significant hurdles. While he has approximately three weeks remaining, with a possible 14-day extension, the initial period has been demanding, involving not only coalition negotiations but also the internal restructuring of the Knesset, including the distribution of key committee leadership roles. Eisenkot has remained publicly silent on his progress with ultra-Orthodox parties and the political price for their potential inclusion, as well as on cooperation with the Ra'am party, despite calls from Democrats leader Yair Golan to include them. The inclusion of Ra'am is particularly sensitive due to opposition from bloc partners like Avigdor Lieberman, despite Ra'am's list including Jewish Knesset member Yoav Segalovich.

Eisenkot has outlined his commitment to forming an "emergency government" based on four core principles, emphasizing a willingness to engage with any elected representative who agrees with them. He stressed the need for strengthened partnerships, expanded possibilities, and unconventional cooperation, all guided by dialogue and Israel's best interests. So far, his direct meetings have been limited to parties within his "change bloc."

Addressing internal party dissent, Eisenkot responded to MK Eliaf Peretz's mother, Miriam Peretz, who stated her son would leave the Knesset if Arabs were included in the government. Eisenkot expressed confidence in Peretz, stating he trusts his decisions, while also strongly condemning the Likud party's alleged campaign to delegitimize the Arab population, calling it anti-state and a violation of Israel's democratic values.

Negotiations are proceeding on two parallel tracks: a formal coalition team and Eisenkot's personal meetings with party leaders. While details of discussions with parties outside the "change bloc," such as Yahadut HaTorah and Shas, remain undisclosed, Eisenkot indicated significant behind-the-scenes activity. His schedule has been packed, including a meeting with Lieberman, securing the Knesset member's appointment as Knesset Speaker, and a security briefing with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Eisenkot canceled talks with Likud following a speech by Netanyahu, whom he later criticized.

The formation of Eisenkot's government hinges significantly on the ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly Yahadut HaTorah, whose participation could form a minority government of 55 seats, potentially expandable later. However, the "change bloc" fears losing momentum if concessions to the ultra-Orthodox are revealed prematurely and negotiations fail. Lieberman and Golan have expressed opposition to a national unity government with Netanyahu, though this option may remain if talks with the ultra-Orthodox stall. Meanwhile, Naftali Bennett's party has been active in the Knesset, introducing reform-oriented legislation.