Eisenkot Seeks Orthodox Support for Government Amid Deep Distrust
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, is attempting to form a government with Orthodox parties despite significant distrust and ideological divides. He also plans to negotiate with Likud and Religious Zionism for a broader coalition, though success is uncertain. Eisenkot aims to repeal key judicial reforms before his mandate ends. A recent security meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not resolve their rivalry.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot is attempting to form a government with Orthodox parties despite major distrust.
- Eisenkot's circle fears Orthodox parties may join Benjamin Netanyahu, causing new elections.
- Orthodox parties worry about joining a coalition unable to honor commitments.
- Eisenkot also plans to negotiate with Likud and Religious Zionism for an expanded government.
- Eisenkot aims to repeal judicial reforms weakening the attorney general and judicial selection committee.
- A recent security meeting with Netanyahu did not resolve the rivalry between them.
Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, intends to attempt forming a coalition with Orthodox parties, despite significant ideological differences and a lack of trust. Informal contacts have reportedly begun between the two sides, according to Israeli Channel N12. Eisenkot's circle fears the religious parties might withdraw at the last minute to join Benjamin Netanyahu, potentially triggering new elections and a major setback for the opposition bloc. The Orthodox parties also harbor concerns, fearing they might join a coalition unable to fulfill its commitments, possibly due to legal issues, without having the 61 seats needed to force its collapse. Aware of these challenges, Eisenkot plans to simultaneously invite the Likud and Religious Zionism parties to negotiate for an expanded government, though his associates believe this option has a low chance of success. Eisenkot stated his seriousness in forming a government based on his four core principles. Meanwhile, his party is preparing legislative action to repeal two judicial reforms: weakening the attorney general's authority and altering the judicial selection committee's composition, aiming to achieve this before his mandate expires. A security meeting on Thursday between Eisenkot and Netanyahu, lasting nearly two hours, did not appear to bridge the gap between the rivals, with a Yashar official stating Eisenkot remains determined to replace the current prime minister.
