Ex-IDF Chief Eisenkot Weighs Dramatic Government Bid With Arab Support

Former IDF Chief of Staff and Knesset Member Gadi Eisenkot is considering a dramatic move to establish a government with external support from the Joint List and Ra'am parties, according to a report by Amiel Yarhi. This potential strategy aims to oust Benjamin Netanyahu from the premiership. Eisenkot reportedly plans to inform the President that he has succeeded in forming a government, with the Arab parties' support being informal and based on their shared goal of removing Netanyahu. This approach would allow Eisenkot to claim he did not form a government "with the support" of these parties, even if they vote in favor of his government.

Eisenkot's plan involves securing 61 parliamentary votes through negotiations with all factions, including the Arab parties. Some members of these parties have previously described Hamas as a "charity organization." The report suggests that forming a government with Haredi parties is also an option, though it remains unclear if a coalition involving Yair Fink and Yitzhak Goldknopf could be formed.

The Joint List announced on Thursday that it would recommend Gadi Eisenkot as the candidate to form the government to President Isaac Herzog that evening. The party stated its decision was made unanimously, driven by public demand to prevent Netanyahu's return to power and a commitment to take all possible steps to achieve this. However, the Joint List also expressed reservations, noting that the opposition, led by Eisenkot, has not yet demonstrated sufficient willingness to confront Netanyahu's methods or to combat incitement against Arab citizens and the undermining of their political legitimacy.