Eisenkot Faces Difficult Path to Form Government Amid Netanyahu's Opposition
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
Gadi Eisenkot has been tasked by Israeli President Isaac Herzog to form a new government, but faces significant challenges from former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot is exploring four potential coalition scenarios, each with considerable risks and potential instability. Analysts suggest Netanyahu is betting on Eisenkot's failure to return to power, potentially leading to new elections if a government cannot be formed.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot faces a difficult challenge in forming a new Israeli government, tasked by President Herzog.
- Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly hoping for Eisenkot's failure to return to the premiership.
- Eisenkot has four potential coalition options, including a narrow government or compromises on key issues.
- One option involves relying on Arab parties, which could face right-wing opposition and internal coalition concerns.
- Analysts believe Netanyahu aims to exhaust Eisenkot's camp and demonstrate its inability to form a stable alternative.
- A national unity government is seen as a political "suicide" for Eisenkot, referencing past failures.
Prime Minister-designate Gadi Eisenkot faces a challenging task in forming the next Israeli government, despite being officially tasked by President Isaac Herzog. Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly banking on Eisenkot's failure to secure a coalition, aiming to return to power. Eisenkot must therefore close off any avenues for Netanyahu's return and focus on forming a stable government.
Analysts suggest Eisenkot has four potential paths. The first involves a narrow government supported by approximately 48 lawmakers, with indirect support from Arab lists and the neutrality of United Torah Judaism. While this could oust Netanyahu, it would likely result in an unstable government vulnerable to opposition tactics. The second option is to secure United Torah Judaism's support by compromising on the conscription law, a move that could alienate coalition partners like Lieberman and contradict Eisenkot's campaign pledges.
A third possibility is to increase reliance on the United Arab List, potentially including figures like retired General Yuval Segalovich. However, this approach could empower Netanyahu politically by allowing him to rally the right-wing base against the government, and faces reservations from Bennett and Lieberman.
If these options fail, the mandate could return to Netanyahu, though current calculations suggest he lacks sufficient support. This scenario could lead to new elections, allowing Netanyahu to rebuild his political campaign. Analysts believe Netanyahu is not only betting on Eisenkot's failure but also on exhausting his camp and demonstrating its inability to form a stable alternative.
The article dismisses the idea of a "national unity government" proposed by Netanyahu, suggesting Eisenkot understands it as a political "suicide" given past experiences, referencing Gantz's failed attempt and potential deception by Netanyahu. The complex equation for Eisenkot involves balancing concessions to allies with maintaining coalition unity, avoiding accusations of being beholden to Arab votes, and preventing Netanyahu's resurgence should he fail.
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