Unity Talks Begin: "Yashar" and "Beitechad" Meet with Likud
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Representatives from the Likud, "Yashar," and "Beitechad" parties held initial unity government talks in Herzliya. The "Yashar" party proposed a government led by Gadi Eisenkot without Benjamin Netanyahu, while the Likud insisted on Netanyahu leading the rotation and including other right-wing parties. The meeting ended without agreements, serving only to gauge mutual intentions amidst significant political pressures and opposing demands.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Initial unity talks between Likud, "Yashar," and "Beitechad" concluded without agreement.
- "Yashar" proposed a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, excluding Benjamin Netanyahu.
- The Likud demanded Benjamin Netanyahu lead the prime ministerial rotation.
- "Yashar" also sought to exclude right-wing parties deemed "extremist" by Eisenkot.
- The Likud insisted on including parties like Otzma Yehudit and the ultra-Orthodox.
- The meeting was seen as an exploration of intentions due to deep-seated disagreements.
Initial negotiations exploring the possibility of forming a unity government following the 26th Knesset elections concluded after approximately one hour on Sunday evening at the Dan Accadia Hotel in Herzliya. Representatives from the Likud party included faction chairman Ophir Katz and attorney Michael Ravillo. Hili Tropper represented the "Yashar" party, joined by Yoav Horowitz. Shalom Shlomo, a close associate of "Beitechad" party chairman Naftali Bennett, also attended.
The meeting occurred two and a half weeks after the elections, which saw the Likud win 27 mandates, "Yashar" 21, and "Beitechad" 12. This follows a security briefing between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and "Yashar" leader Gadi Eisenkot three days prior.
Sharp public exchanges preceded the talks, with Netanyahu urging unconditional discussions and Eisenkot dismissing the call as a "bluff" and "political trick," stating the meeting was pre-arranged. The Herzliya discussions opened amid starkly opposing demands. "Yashar" proposed the Likud join a government led by Eisenkot for a full four-year term, without rotation, without Netanyahu as prime minister, and excluding right-wing parties Eisenkot deemed "extremist." The party also seeks support for MK Matan Kahana's appointment as Knesset Speaker.
The Likud and the right-wing bloc expressed willingness for unity without preconditions but set red lines. These include Netanyahu heading the rotation for prime minister, maintaining his positions on legal issues, and not vetoing the inclusion of other right-wing parties like Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit and the ultra-Orthodox parties, which Netanyahu considers a single bloc.
These moves are occurring amidst external political pressures. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, criticized the unity talks and urged the opposition bloc to consider partnering with Arab parties. Within the "change bloc," pressure is being applied to "Yashar" not to legitimize Netanyahu. Separately, a secret meeting between Eisenkot and United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yaakov Asher was reported. The participation of Shalom Shlomo from Bennett's party is seen primarily as a public relations move to project opposition unity at this stage.
Given the deep rifts on core issues, including the prime minister's identity, coalition composition, and the Knesset Speaker appointment, the meeting concluded without agreements and is considered merely an exploration of mutual intentions.
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