Eisenkot and Bennett Consider Adding Representative to Likud Talks

Less than an hour before coalition negotiations were set to begin between representatives of the "Yashar!" party and the Likud, Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett were reportedly considering inviting a representative from the "Be'ad" party to join the meeting. This was reported by ynet correspondent Amir Ettinger on Sunday. If Bennett sends a representative, they would join Knesset members Hili Tropper and Yoav Horowitz, who are representing the Yashar party. The Likud representatives expected at the meeting are Knesset member Ofir Katz and attorney Michael Ravilo. Earlier on Sunday, Eisenkot's party had sent another message to the Likud, inviting Knesset member Elisha Madan to the meeting as well.

Disagreements between the two parties currently center on the structure of a potential government and who would lead it. Eisenkot reportedly seeks to lead a government that does not include Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. In parallel, should the parties agree on a rotation for the prime minister position, it is estimated that the Yashar party would insist that Eisenkot serve first. The Likud, however, holds a different stance, demanding that Benjamin Netanyahu serve as prime minister first in any rotation agreement, citing the Likud's position as the largest party in the Knesset. The Likud also stated its willingness to form a government with parties from various political camps, but clarified that Arab parties are not included in this possibility.