Eisenkot Navigates Complex Coalition Talks in First Week of Mandate
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Gadi Eisenkot, tasked with forming Israel's government, spent his first week navigating complex coalition talks and asserting control over Knesset committees. He has reached out to all factions based on four principles but faces significant hurdles, particularly regarding the inclusion of ultra-Orthodox and Arab parties. Key figures like Avigdor Lieberman and Yair Lapid are involved, with Lieberman set to chair the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. While Eisenkot aims for a swift government formation, potential alliances with the ultra-Orthodox and the possibility of a unity government remain uncertain.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot has one week into his mandate to form a government, facing complex coalition negotiations.
- Eisenkot is simultaneously managing coalition talks and the "Change Bloc's" takeover of Knesset committees.
- Key challenges include negotiating with ultra-Orthodox parties and potential cooperation with Ra'am.
- Avigdor Lieberman will chair the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, a significant move for the "Change Bloc."
- Eisenkot aims to form a government quickly, potentially a minority government, and then expand it.
- The inclusion of ultra-Orthodox parties is seen as crucial for coalition success.
A week after receiving the mandate to form a government from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael! party, faces significant challenges in building a coalition. Eisenkot has approximately three weeks remaining, with a possible 14-day extension, to announce success. His first week was marked by dual efforts: conducting coalition negotiations while simultaneously overseeing the "Change Bloc's" takeover of key Knesset committees, including the establishment of the steering committee and the appointment of the Knesset speaker. Eisenkot has remained publicly silent on negotiations with the ultra-Orthodox parties and the potential political price for their inclusion, as well as on cooperation with the Ra'am party, despite calls from Democratic Movement leader Yair Golan. This is a contentious issue, as Ra'am's second-in-command is Jewish MK Yoav Segalovitz, but many of Eisenkot's bloc partners, particularly Avigdor Lieberman, refuse to consider them part of the coalition.
Eisenkot stated on social media that he is reaching out to all Knesset factions and members who agree with his four guiding principles to join a "government of emergency" under his leadership, emphasizing his commitment to exploring all options to form a stable government quickly. He stressed the importance of building partnerships, expanding possibilities, fostering creative cooperation, and conducting dialogue based on principles centered solely on Israeli interests. Thus far, Eisenkot has reportedly only met with parties within the "Change Bloc."
Regarding the potential inclusion of Arab parties, Eisenkot addressed concerns raised by Miriam Peretz, mother of Yisrael! MK Eliyashiv Peretz, who stated her son would leave the Knesset if a government with Arabs were formed. Eisenkot expressed confidence in Eliyashiv Peretz, stating he was not "bothered" by the comments and that the attempt to slander an entire sector is anti-state. He clarified that while disagreement with Arab party representatives is possible, denigrating an entire sector is unacceptable.
Eisenkot's busy schedule included approaching all Knesset factions to join the government based on his four principles, a significant meeting with Lieberman, and reaching agreements on MK Matan Kahana's appointment as Knesset speaker. He also met with Lieberman, Golan, and Lapid. However, Eisenkot canceled a negotiation meeting with the Likud following a "incitement speech by Netanyahu." He later received a briefing from Netanyahu and his military secretary. Meanwhile, Lieberman announced he would officially assume the role of chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday, calling it a crucial step towards forming a stable government.
Sources within the "Change Bloc" suggest the week was primarily about exploring Eisenkot's maneuvering room, with the current working assumption being the need to bring the ultra-Orthodox parties, starting with United Torah Judaism, into a minority government of 55 mandates, potentially expanding later with Shas or "rebels" from the Likud. Eisenkot aims to form a government quickly and then expand it, but the "Change Bloc" fears losing momentum. Lieberman has stated his party will oppose a minority government, and Yair Lapid has warned against the national irresponsibility of failing to form a government, though he remains confident in the bloc's eventual success. Naftali Bennett highlighted the legislative work already undertaken by his party, including proposals on budget allocation, a state inquiry commission for the October 7th massacre, and various social and economic reforms.
The success of coalition talks hinges on the ultra-Orthodox parties, who have become central players. Lieberman maintains he is not negotiating with them directly, as the mandate lies with Eisenkot. While some progress with the ultra-Orthodox has been reported, the "Change Bloc" fears revealing concessions could expose them if talks fail. The possibility of a unity government, potentially following a significant security meeting between Eisenkot and Netanyahu, remains on the table, especially if negotiations with the ultra-Orthodox stall. However, the "Change Bloc" largely opposes a unity government with Netanyahu, with Lieberman and Golan explicitly stating they would not participate.
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