Ultra-Orthodox Demands Complicate Coalition Talks for Eisenkot
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Gadi Eisenkot is struggling to form a government due to demands from ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly regarding military draft exemptions. These demands, including a personal commitment from "Change Bloc" MKs and an override clause, face legal and political obstacles. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is actively working to disrupt these coalition talks, while Eisenkot's "Change Bloc" partners are pushing for legislative reversals of judicial reforms. The formation of a government remains uncertain as Eisenkot must secure agreement on the draft law and a Knesset majority within his mandate.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox parties demand military draft exemptions and an override clause for any new government.
- Gadi Eisenkot's plan for a minority government is opposed by Avigdor Lieberman.
- Benjamin Netanyahu is actively working to disrupt coalition talks with ultra-Orthodox parties.
- The "Change Bloc" seeks to reverse judicial reforms and ensure parliamentary oversight.
- Eisenkot needs to secure agreement on the draft law and a Knesset majority within his mandate.
Gadi Eisenkot is facing significant hurdles in forming a government, primarily due to the stringent demands of the ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly regarding the military draft law. United Torah Judaism is seeking assurances, including a personal commitment from all 48 members of the "Change Bloc" to legislate an exemption from military service for Torah scholars and a "override clause" to counter potential High Court of Justice rulings against such a law. They also want clarity on who can amend the arrangement and under what conditions.
The Israeli military (IDF) has previously opposed measures that would freeze enforcement against draft dodgers, fearing it would undermine its ability to enforce conscription laws. No legal solution has yet been found to satisfy the ultra-Orthodox demand for guarantees. The timeline for passing such legislation before a government is sworn in appears extremely limited due to legislative procedures and legal complexities.
Eisenkot's initial plan was to form a minority government of 48 Knesset members to oust Benjamin Netanyahu, with the intention of expanding the coalition later. However, Avigdor Lieberman has declared his opposition to such a government. Including United Torah Judaism would bring the planned coalition to 55 members, still short of a Knesset majority, necessitating external support or abstentions during confidence votes. Lieberman's opposition could also derail the process if Ra'am's abstention is required.
Benjamin Netanyahu is actively working to thwart Eisenkot's efforts, engaging with ultra-Orthodox leaders and warning them about potential pitfalls of joining a government that might not uphold its commitments. Likud officials believe they have stalled the coalition talks with the ultra-Orthodox by raising concerns about the "Change Bloc" advancing judicial changes and appointments against their wishes. They also suggest that Eisenkot will struggle to meet the demand for drafting the conscription law before the government is sworn in, potentially leading to a stalemate.
Meanwhile, the "Change Bloc" is wary of Netanyahu's proposals for a unity government. Eisenkot has reiterated his commitment to forming a broad government, emphasizing the urgency of replacing the current administration. His camp stressed that a recent security briefing with Netanyahu did not alter his stance. The "Change Bloc" is also pushing for parliamentary oversight of any transitional government's security decisions and plans to advance legislation to reverse key judicial reforms, including those weakening the Attorney General's office and altering the Judicial Appointments Committee, while also considering other legislative initiatives.
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