Gadi Eizenkot Advances Toward Political Partnership With Mansour Abbas Amid Opposition Shifts
Gadi Eizenkot, former IDF Chief of Staff, is actively promoting a political alliance with Mansour Abbas and his Ra'am party, signaling a significant shift in the Israeli opposition's approach. Until recently, cooperation with Arab parties was a taboo subject within the opposition, largely due to widespread Jewish public resistance to including Arab party ministers in government. However, Eizenkot and his close associates have begun to openly discuss the possibility, framing it as a strategic move rather than a political liability.
This change is partly enabled by the expectation that a future government could secure a Zionist majority without relying on Arab parties. Such a majority would legitimize any subsequent inclusion of Ra'am, as it would not be perceived as dependent on Arab votes. Eizenkot and allies have set three conditions for partnership: recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, acceptance of mandatory military or civilian service for all citizens, and adherence to the values of the Declaration of Independence. Mansour Abbas has already acknowledged Israel's Jewish character and the need for equal service, making a coalition feasible under these terms.
Eizenkot's initiative contrasts with the current turmoil within the Likud party, which is focused on internal primaries and survival. His move also challenges the right-wing bloc's narrative that rejects Arab party cooperation outright. Allies like Elazar Stern emphasize pragmatism over ideological purity, noting that even Netanyahu previously courted Abbas without demanding these conditions. Meanwhile, opposition factions such as "The Democrats" led by Yair Golan have stepped back to allow Eizenkot to lead this dialogue.
Despite the cautious tone, Eizenkot has not fully crossed the Rubicon but is testing the waters to gauge political currents. The coming weeks will see intensified battles within Likud primaries and broader political maneuvering ahead of the September elections. Eizenkot and his supporters are preparing to counter right-wing accusations branding any coalition with Ra'am as a "Muslim Brotherhood government" or "terror supporters' government." This evolving discourse marks a notable recalibration in Israeli opposition politics regarding Arab party inclusion.
Summary: Gadi Eizenkot is pioneering a shift in Israeli opposition politics by advocating for a coalition with Mansour Abbas's Ra'am party under specific conditions, signaling a new openness to Arab party cooperation despite public resistance and right-wing opposition. This move comes amid Likud's internal struggles and ahead of September elections, as Eizenkot tests political feasibility and legitimacy for such partnerships.
