Eisenkot's Bloc May Compromise on Core Principles for Power
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
The "Change Bloc," led by Gadi Eisenkot, may have to compromise on its promise of equal burden-sharing to form a government with Haredi parties. Their primary goal is to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The bloc also aims to reform the Knesset, limit the Prime Minister's term, and establish an inquiry commission for the October 7th events. The public's perception of these potential compromises remains uncertain.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot's "Change Bloc" may compromise on equal burden-sharing to form a government.
- The bloc's main goal is to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power.
- Forming a coalition with Haredi parties appears necessary to reach a 61-seat majority.
- The bloc aims to reform the Knesset, limit the PM's term, and investigate October 7th.
- Avigdor Lieberman previously vowed never to sit with Haredi parties.
The "Change Bloc," led by Gadi Eisenkot, faces a potential ideological shift as election results suggest a need to form a coalition with Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties. This move could mean compromising on their central campaign promise of equal burden-sharing, particularly regarding military conscription for Haredi men. The bloc's primary goal is to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power, aiming to prevent him from serving another full term.
Eisenkot and his allies have outlined four key objectives. The first is ending Netanyahu's era, not just forming a temporary government but decisively removing him from leadership. The second objective involves a significant shift in their stance towards the Haredi community. While Eisenkot, new to politics, might adapt more easily, the bloc's partners, like Avigdor Lieberman who previously vowed never to sit with Haredi parties, must also reconcile their past strong opposition, including calls for their conscription.
To achieve the 61-seat majority required for a government, integrating United Torah Judaism and Shas appears to be the most viable path. This necessitates formulating a conscription law acceptable to both the Haredi parties and the High Court, while also preserving the support base of coalition members. The article questions whether this pragmatic approach will be viewed by the public as responsible statesmanship or a betrayal of electoral promises.
The third objective is forming a stable government without Arab parties, although Yair Golan has indicated openness to including Ra'am. The rest of the coalition, including Eisenkot, maintains a firm stance against their inclusion in government. However, a minor shift is observed with Yoav Segalovich, a member of Ra'am, being appointed to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, suggesting potential future adjustments if the Haredi parties join and the Likud party refuses to join the coalition.
The fourth, immediate goal is to reform the Knesset by replacing its speaker and appointing a state comptroller. Further aims include limiting the Prime Minister's term to two terms, repealing "regime revolution" laws, and establishing a state inquiry commission for the events of October 7th. These measures are intended to reshape governance and restore public trust in state institutions.
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